Typhula ishikariensis

Typhula ishikariensis is a species of fungus in the family Typhulaceae. It is commonly known as the snow mold due to its ability to grow in cold temperatures and cause disease in plants, particularly in turfgrass species.

Taxonomy

The species was first described scientifically by Japanese mycologist Keisuke Tubaki in 1955. The genus name Typhula comes from the Greek word typhos, meaning "marsh", and the species name ishikariensis is derived from the Ishikari region of Hokkaido, Japan, where the fungus was first discovered.

Description

Typhula ishikariensis is characterized by its small, white, club-shaped fruit bodies, or basidiocarps, which are typically 1–2 cm in length. The fungus produces spores that are elliptical in shape and have a smooth surface.

Distribution and habitat

Typhula ishikariensis is found in cold regions worldwide, including North America, Europe, and Asia. It is particularly common in areas with heavy snowfall, where it can survive under the snow for extended periods. The fungus grows on dead plant material, such as fallen leaves and grass.

Pathogenicity

Typhula ishikariensis is a pathogen of several species of turfgrass, including Kentucky bluegrass and annual ryegrass. The fungus causes a disease known as snow mold, which results in patches of dead grass that appear after the snow melts in the spring. The disease can be managed through cultural practices, such as removing leaf litter and avoiding excessive nitrogen fertilization in the fall.

See also

• List of Typhula species
• Snow mold