Tiêu đề 08 Spore dispersal mechanism in fungi.pdf ✅

➢ Fungal spores are microscopic that allow fungi to be reproduced, serving a similar purpose to that of seeds in the higher plant. ➢ Large number of spore production is not only the reason for abundance of fungi. ➢ The spore dispersal mechanisms in fungi help spread spores over long distances. ➢ There is also a practical reason why it is important for fungi to disperse their spores. Prevents overcrowding near the parent mycelium, ensuring food availability and survival. ➢ Types of spore dispersal in fungi: air borne spores , pressure, animals and fluid
➢ These spores are dry, do not easily absorb water, and are commonly hydrophobic. ➢ The absorption of water by spores would increase their weight, which will make harder to allow themselves remain float. ➢ The majority of known fungal species disperse their spores by wind. ➢ Most fungal spores being deposited within about 200m from their point of liberation. Some spores travel long distances. ➢ E.g. Puccinia graminis, the wheat stem rust fungus, from Australia to New Zealand
➢ Some fungi store their spores into a more or less spherical ball. ➢ There is a little pore in the wall at the top of the ball. ➢ Raindrops or animal contact, exert pressure on the top of the ball, the spores puff out and be carried away by air currents. ➢ There will be more air currents higher up, allowing the spores to disperse farther. ➢ E.g., Puffballs and earthstars
➢ Fungi, such as stinkhorns use insects to disperse their spores. ➢ The stinkhorn fruiting body has a slimy spore mass which smells like carrion. ➢ This attracts insects which normally feed on carrion, particularly flies and as they walk around in the spore mass, spores stick to their feet and bodies. ➢ When they fly away, the spores will be transferred to other places.