Cochlonemataceae

Cochlonemataceae is a family of fungi within the order Pleosporales. The family is characterized by its anamorphic (asexual) state, which includes species that produce conidia (asexual spores) in chains or clusters. The teleomorphic (sexual) state of Cochlonemataceae is less well understood, but it is believed to involve ascomata (sexual fruiting bodies) that produce ascospores.

The family is cosmopolitan in distribution, with species found in various habitats, including soil, decaying plant material, and on plant surfaces. Some species are known to be plant pathogens, causing diseases such as leaf spot and blight. Others are saprophytic, feeding on dead organic matter.

Cochlonemataceae includes several genera, with Cochlonema being the type genus. Other notable genera include Alternaria, which is well-known for its role in plant pathology, and Macrophomina, which includes the causal agent of charcoal rot in plants.

The taxonomy of Cochlonemataceae is complex, with ongoing research aimed at clarifying the relationships between its various genera and species. Molecular phylogenetic studies have contributed to this understanding, revealing the family's position within the Pleosporales and its relationships with other fungal families.