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Ascomycete Systematics pp 111–126Cite as

Asci and Ascospores in Ascomycete Systematics

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Part of the book series: NATO ASI Series ((NSSA,volume 269))

Summary

Ascus characters are only of secondary importance in ascomycete systematics. This results in part from rather difficult technical problems in interpreting observations made only by light microscopy. The contribution to ascomycete systematics from ascus characters are illustrated in different groups, highlighting recent progress. Difficulties resulting from superficial or imperfect use of these criteria are also mentioned.

The proper systematic value of different ascus characters is considered in several groups of ascomycetes lichenized and including ascus formation, morphological characters and their variations during ascus development, structure of the epiplasm, ascus wall structure, apical wall structure, ascus dehiscence, ascosporogenesis, and the fine structure of the ascospore wall.

The systematic consequences resulting from a more important and more coherent utilization of ascus characteristics are considered. The relative constancy in several types of ascus seems to indicate that they can be used to define taxa of a rather high level. Conversely, ascospore wall structure is probably more dependent on external variations and has to be used only to define lower systematic levels.

Data relating to ascus characters are frequently insufficient in the systematic literature. If asci are precisely described, and if their variations during ascus development are carefully reported, important progress will be made in systematics and in our appreciation of evolution in ascomycete fungi.

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  1. 53 jardins Boïeldieu, F-92800, Puteaux, France

    A. Bellemère

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  1. International Mycological Institute, Egham, Surrey, UK

    David L. Hawksworth

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Bellemère, A. (1994). Asci and Ascospores in Ascomycete Systematics. In: Hawksworth, D.L. (eds) Ascomycete Systematics. NATO ASI Series, vol 269. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4757-9290-4_10

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