Dothideomycetes (entomopathogens)
Dothideomycetes (entomopathogens)
This group of fungi includes many plant pathogens (see the plant pathogenic Dothideomycetes). However, some forms and strains also have entomopathogenic properties and have been studied as possible biological control agents of insect pests. This page deals with the latter group.
The Dothideomycetes is a large class of fungi characterized by the asci already forming in an unfertized mass of hyphae (the stroma) and having a double wall (bitunicate). After absorbing water, the asci expand and push the ascopsores out of the pseudothecia. Today, the Dothideomycetes are more precisely defined by their genetic structure.
This page deals only with species causing diseases of insect pests, for other groups see:
The following orders of entomopathogenic Dothideomycetes are included in the system:
- Pleosporales - 1 species
