Hypocreaceae

Hypocreaceae is a family of ascomycete fungi within the order Hypocreales, class Sordariomycetes, in the phylum Ascomycota. Members are widely distributed and encompass species that are saprotrophic, endophytic, or parasitic on plants, other fungi, or insects. The family includes several genera that are of particular ecological and economic importance, most notably Trichoderma and its sexual morph Hypocrea.

Morphology and characteristics: Hypocreaceae species typically form perithecioid ascomata that are often embedded in a soft, sometimes brightly colored stroma. The perithecia can be visible as a loosely to densely aggregated structure, and the asci usually produce eight ascospores. The family is well known for its teleomorph–anamorph relationships, with Hypocrea representing the sexual morphs of Trichoderma species.

Ecology and significance: Trichoderma species are among the most common saprotrophs in soil and decaying wood and are notable mycoparasites of other fungi. They are widely used as biocontrol agents in agriculture due to their antagonistic properties against plant pathogens and their ability to colonize roots. Other Hypocreaceae members participate in diverse ecological roles, including plant associations and, in some cases, pathogenesis or endophytism. The group has a cosmopolitan distribution and is particularly prominent in tropical and temperate ecosystems.

Genera: The best-known genus is Trichoderma, with Hypocrea representing its sexual form. The family also contains several other genera, often less intensively studied, that share the characteristic hypocreaceous fruiting bodies and ecological versatility.

Overall, Hypocreaceae comprises a diverse set of fungi that contribute significantly to decomposition, plant health, and biocontrol in natural and agricultural systems.