Microthyriales

Microthyriales is an order of fungi belonging to the class of Dothideomycetes. These fungi are predominantly tropical and subtropical in their distribution, although some species can be found in temperate regions. They are characterized by their superficial growth on plant surfaces, particularly leaves, where they form small, dark, often shield-shaped or orbicular fruiting bodies called ascomata. These ascomata are typically ostiolate, meaning they possess a small pore through which spores are released.

Members of Microthyriales are primarily saprobic or weakly parasitic on plants. Many species are known as leaf-spotting fungi, causing minor damage to their hosts but rarely leading to significant disease outbreaks. Some species are epiphytic, growing on the surface of plants without causing apparent harm. The ecological role of many Microthyriales is still under investigation, but they contribute to decomposition processes and nutrient cycling in their ecosystems. The order is diverse, with a significant number of described species, and ongoing research continues to uncover new taxa and understand their phylogenetic relationships. Their small size and often inconspicuous nature make them challenging to study, but they represent an important component of fungal biodiversity.