deuteromycete

Deuteromycete is a general term used in mycology to refer to fungi for which a sexual stage has not been observed. These fungi are also known as fungi imperfecti. This classification is based on the lack of evidence for sexual reproduction, which is a primary characteristic used to group fungi into phyla. Deuteromycetes reproduce asexually, typically through the formation of conidia, which are spores produced asexually. This absence of a known sexual cycle makes their phylogenetic placement uncertain, as sexual reproduction is a key indicator of evolutionary relationships.

Many fungi initially classified as deuteromycetes have later been found to have a sexual stage through further research or by observing them under specific environmental conditions. When a sexual stage is discovered, the fungus is then reclassified into its appropriate taxonomic group, such as Ascomycota or Basidiomycota. Because of this, the term deuteromycete is considered an artificial grouping, serving as a placeholder until more information about a fungus's life cycle is known. This group includes a vast array of species, many of which are saprotrophs, playing roles in decomposition, while others are important plant pathogens or even human pathogens. Examples of commonly known fungi that were once considered deuteromycetes include Penicillium and Aspergillus, both of which have since had their sexual stages identified.