Reproduction and dispersal in aquatic hyphomycetes

The conidia of aquatic hyphomycetes were discovered by C.T. Ingold some 60 years ago. They are typically multiradiate or sigmoid, relatively fragile, and produced in enormous numbers. Their main function seems to be the rapid colonization of a periodic superabundance of leaves common in most streams. Conidia are unlikely to survive adverse conditions and to be responsible for the apparently worldwide distribution of many aquatic hyphomycete species. It has repeatedly been suggested that meiospores are responsible for long-distance dispersal; however, to date, only some 10% of described species have been connected to a teleomorph. To determine additional connections, and to document the potential role of meiospores in long-distance dispersal of aquatic hyphomycetes, the application of modern molecular methods is essential.