Typhula incarnata

Typhula incarnata, also known as Snow Mold, is a species of fungus that belongs to the family Typhulaceae. It is a common pathogen of turf grass and is particularly prevalent in regions with cold, wet winters.

Description

Typhula incarnata is characterized by its small, white, thread-like fruiting bodies that are typically less than 1 cm in length. These fruiting bodies, or basidiocarps, are covered in tiny, white spores that are spread by wind and water. The fungus also produces mycelium, a network of filamentous cells that penetrate the host plant and absorb nutrients.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Typhula incarnata begins when spores land on a suitable host plant. The spores germinate and produce mycelium, which penetrates the plant tissue and begins to absorb nutrients. As the fungus grows, it produces new basidiocarps, which release more spores into the environment. This cycle continues until the host plant is killed or the environmental conditions become unfavorable.

Pathogenicity

Typhula incarnata is a pathogen of turf grass, causing a disease known as snow mold. The fungus thrives in cold, wet conditions and is particularly problematic in regions with long, snowy winters. Symptoms of snow mold include patches of dead or discolored grass that appear as the snow melts in the spring. The disease can be managed through cultural practices such as proper fertilization and irrigation, as well as the use of fungicides.

See Also

• Typhula blight
• Typhulaceae
• Snow Mold

References

• Typhula incarnata - Mycobank
• Typhula incarnata - Index Fungorum