Dothideomycetids

Dothideomycetids represent a large and diverse class of fungi within the Ascomycota phylum. This group is characterized by the presence of ascomata, which are fruiting bodies that typically develop within or beneath the host tissue, often appearing as ostiolar perithecia or cleistothecia embedded in a stroma. However, some species may also produce apothecia. Asci, the sac-like structures containing spores, are usually bitunicate, meaning they have a double wall. The ascospores are typically muriform or septate.

This class encompasses a wide range of lifestyles, including many important plant pathogens, saprophytes, and endophytes. Many economically significant crop diseases are caused by dothideomycetids, such as leaf spots, blights, and rusts, although true rusts are not within this class but a related one. They are found in virtually every terrestrial and freshwater habitat, demonstrating remarkable adaptability. Their ecological roles are varied, with some contributing to decomposition and nutrient cycling, while others form symbiotic relationships with plants, either as endophytes conferring benefits or as pathogens causing disease. The classification of dothideomycetids is an active area of research, with molecular data playing an increasingly crucial role in defining relationships within this extensive and complex group.