Fungal spores within sporophytes of Gymnostomum viridulum

Abstract

Spores of an unknown fungus were observed within growing sporophytes still enclosed by the epigonium of Gymnostomum viridulum from Sicily. The spores replace the developing sporophyte and considerably reduce host fertility. Literature records of the past 150 years concerning similar alien spores, but produced within mature capsules of bryophytes, are cited. These spores were often provisionally assigned to the smut genus Tilletia, but probably represent the anamorphic state of ascomycetes. Most frequently mentioned as hosts are the genera Sphagnum and Anthoceros.