Nectria

Nectria is a genus of fungi in the family Nectriaceae, order Hypocreales, class Sordariomycetes, and phylum Ascomycota. Members are predominantly saprotrophic or pathogenic on woody plants, and they form sexual fruiting bodies called perithecia that contain asci and ascospores. The perithecia are often embedded in cushions or stromata on infected wood and can be brightly pigmented, commonly pink, orange, or red.

Ecology and disease: Nectria species are frequently found on dead wood and wound sites of hardwoods, but several taxa act as pathogens that cause cankers, wood rots, or fruit diseases on trees and ornamental shrubs. A well-known representative is Nectria cinnabarina, the coral spot fungus, which produces coral-red fruiting bodies on dead branches. Advances in molecular taxonomy have reshaped the genus, and many species formerly placed in Nectria are now classified in Neonectria, Cylindrocarpon, or related genera, reflecting improved understanding of genetic relationships.

Taxonomy and significance: The genus has a complex historical taxonomy, with modern classifications emphasizing phylogenetic relationships. Nectria species contribute to forest and landscape ecology as saprotrophs and as plant pathogens, and they are frequently encountered in forestry, horticulture, and nursery contexts. The name Nectria is now used for a more narrowly defined group of species, while related taxa with similar morphology may be placed in allied genera.

See also: Neonectria, Cylindrocarpon, Nectriaceae.