Help with different Octospora spp please

rich ard · #1 (**permalink**) 15-11-2009, 08:12 AM

I am assuming this Octospora is O. rutilans as they were amongst Polytrichum moss in sandy soil.

The spores, asci and paraphyses all match the limited info I have available to me - Phillips and Jordan.

I do not have a detailed book on ascos and so I am wondering if there are any other Octospora spp. I should consider please?

Thanks.

Richard

fairplay · #2 (**permalink**) 15-11-2009, 10:21 AM

Without delving too deeply, Ellis mentions 12 species of Octospora for Britain in their book 'Microfungi on Miscellaneous Substrates'.

There is also a possibility you may have O.humosa, as with your lower specimen in the photo, it looks to have a 'toothed' edge to the cup, but that's only my interpretation.

You may still be right though.

Neil.

rich ard · #3 (**permalink**) 15-11-2009, 02:14 PM

Thanks Neil,

I think a proper book on ascos is needed!

I guess the question has been asked before but which do you recommend?

Are you happy with 'Microfungi on Miscellaneous Substrates'?

I know there is also Nordic Macromycetes vol 1 but that is out of print, maybe I could find a second hand version.

Richard

Quote:

Originally Posted by fairplay

Without delving too deeply, Ellis mentions 12 species of Octospora for Britain in their book 'Microfungi on Miscellaneous Substrates'.

There is also a possibility you may have O.humosa, as with your lower specimen in the photo, it looks to have a 'toothed' edge to the cup, but that's only my interpretation.

You may still be right though.

Neil.

Ditiola · #4 (**permalink**) 15-11-2009, 03:45 PM

The BMS database has 14 Octospora listed.

Your specimen looks very similar to one I collected earlier in the year (photo below. From Dennis (1981) I Identified it as Neotiella vivida as it appeared to had warty spores compared to Neotilla rutilans (Syn. Octospora rutilans) that has reticulate spores. I sent a specimen to Kew for confirmation, and Brian Spooner said it was Octospora rutilans.

The BMS database and the 1985 Ascomycete checklist both use the genus Neotilla for this taxon.

If you are to start to tackle Ascomycetes you will probably need a few books, as it is an enormous group. As well as the ones mentioned. The Fungi of Switzerland Vol.1 is very good, however, Nordic macromyces Vol 1 will be of great help especially for the ones not in the Fungi of Switzerland.

Peter

rich ard · #5 (**permalink**) 15-11-2009, 09:27 PM

Thanks Peter,

I do have FoS vol 1 but that is limited for Octospora. I think I will have to get 'Microfungi on Miscellaneous Substrates' by E&E as I cannot find a second hand NM vol 1 on the net.

Richard

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ditiola

The BMS database has 14 Octospora listed.

Your specimen looks very similar to one I collected earlier in the year (photo below. From Dennis (1981) I Identified it as Neotiella vivida as it appeared to had warty spores compared to Neotilla rutilans (Syn. Octospora rutilans) that has reticulate spores. I sent a specimen to Kew for confirmation, and Brian Spooner said it was Octospora rutilans.

The BMS database and the 1985 Ascomycete checklist both use the genus Neotilla for this taxon.

If you are to start to tackle Ascomycetes you will probably need a few books, as it is an enormous group. As well as the ones mentioned. The Fungi of Switzerland Vol.1 is very good, however, Nordic macromyces Vol 1 will be of great help especially for the ones not in the Fungi of Switzerland.

Peter