Didymosphaeriaceae

Didymosphaeriaceae is a family of fungi in the order Pleosporales. The family was established by Shoichi Mori in 1975 to accommodate a group of pleomorphic fungi that had previously been included in the family Sphaeriaceae. The name Didymosphaeriaceae is derived from the Greek words "didymos," meaning twin, and "sphaeria," referring to the fungal fruiting structures.

The family Didymosphaeriaceae contains several genera, including Didymosphaeria, Pleodelphiella, and Sphaerulina. These fungi are typically pathogenic, infecting a wide range of plant hosts, including trees and herbaceous plants. Some species in this family are known to cause diseases in economically important crops, such as pecans and cotton.

Didymosphaeriaceous fungi are characterized by their complex life cycles, which involve two or more distinct forms of the fungus. These fungi can be found in a variety of environments, including forests, grasslands, and agricultural fields. They are often associated with plant remains and other organic matter.

The classification of the family Didymosphaeriaceae has been subject to revision, with some sources placing the family in the order Sordariales or the family Leptosphaeriaceae. However, the use of molecular phylogenetic analysis has confirmed the placement of Didymosphaeriaceae in the order Pleosporales.

The family Didymosphaeriaceae is relatively understudied, and further research is needed to fully understand the biology and ecology of these fungi. However, their importance as plant pathogens and their ability to form complex, multi-stage life cycles make them of interest to mycologists and plant pathologists.