Lecalorales

Lecalorales is an order of fungi within the class Dothideomycetes, part of the phylum Ascomycota. This relatively small and understudied group comprises primarily saprobic and parasitic species, with some members known to interact with plants and other organisms in ecological niches. The name "Lecalorales" derives from the type genus *Lecalora*, which is characterized by its distinctive ascomata (fruiting bodies) and asci (spore-producing structures).

Members of Lecalorales typically exhibit asexual reproduction through conidia, often produced in pycnidia or acervuli, while sexual reproduction involves the formation of perithecial or pseudothecial ascomata. The order is distinguished by its morphological and molecular traits, including specific sequences in the ribosomal DNA regions (e.g., ITS, LSU) that differentiate it from other Dothideomycetes. Lecalorales species are found globally, often associated with decaying plant material, bark, or living tissues, though their ecological roles remain largely unexplored.

Taxonomically, Lecalorales includes genera such as *Lecalora*, *Phaeophleospora*, and *Phaeosphaeria*, among others. Some species within this order have been linked to plant diseases, particularly in agricultural contexts, though their pathogenicity varies. Molecular phylogenetic studies have clarified its placement within Dothideomycetes, revealing close relationships with orders like Pleosporales and Capnodiales. Research on Lecalorales remains limited, with ongoing efforts to describe new species and elucidate their biological functions.

The study of Lecalorales contributes to broader understanding of fungal diversity, evolution, and ecological interactions. As sequencing technologies advance, more species are being identified, expanding knowledge of this diverse yet often overlooked fungal group. Further research is needed to assess its economic and environmental significance.