OPHIOSTOMATOID FUNGI:  EXPANDING FRONTIERS

 

"AN INTERNATIONAL WORKSHOP"

Introduction

Species of Ceratocystis and Ophiostoma (Ascomycetes) are some of the world's most intriguing and important fungi. They include destructive plant pathogens such as the causal agents of Dutch elm disease (Ophiostoma ulmi and Ophiostoma novo-ulmi), oak wilt (Ceratocystis fagacearum), the sweet potato root rot pathogen Ceratocystis fimbriata as well as many other canker stain pathogens previously treated as C. fimbriata but now recognized as discrete taxa.  Ceratocystis and Ophiostoma are amongst the most common and important agents of sapstain in timber and at least one species of Ophiostoma is an important human pathogen.

Ceratocystis and Ophiostoma are best known as fungi associated with insects and particularly bark beetles (Coleoptera: Scolytinae). Their morphological characteristics are elegantly adapted to dispersal by arthropods. Their sexual fruiting structures typically have long necks terminating in bearing sticky masses of spores, which easily attach to the bodies of passing insects and are transferred to new substrates. Many of their asexual states also have long stalks also bearing sticky conidia to facilitate dispersal. More ...

Report

In 2006 I had the pleasure to attend the 8th International Mycological Conference (IMC8) in Cairns, Australia (20-25 Aug), and the International workshop "The Ophiostomatoid fungi: Expanding Frontiers", near Brisbane (16-18 Aug). The workshop on the Ophiostomatoid fungi was a very special one for me, as it focussed specifically on the organisms and topics of my own research. I wish to say right at the beginning: The workshop exceeded all my expectations. Wow, what a great meeting it was! Full Report ...