Analysis of morphogenesis in hyphomycetes: new characters derived from considering some conidiophores and conidia as condensed hyphal systems

Abstract

Hyphomycetes (ascomycetous and basidiomycetous anamorphs) comprise numerous genera and species that have been difficult to place in fungal phylogeny. In this commentary, autobiographical notes preface a new analysis of reproductive structures in many hyphomycetes. This adopts the premise that many of the more complex examples of conidiophores and conidia represent condensed hyphal systems. Many new and potentially useful taxonomic characters are described, which are particularly applicable to computer-based synoptic keys or databases, but should also be considered by those describing new taxa or redescribing existing ones.Key words: moulds, taxonomy, conidia, conidiophores, morphogenesis, branching.