Introduction to Fungi, Third Edition

DOTHIDEALES
485
Fig17.22 Cercosporin.This compound is synthesized as two
polyketide halves which are then fused, accounting for the
symmetric appearance of the molecule.
or may germinate by germ tube. Conidia are
dispersed by rain splash and by air currents. The
fungus may be involved in the biodeterioration
of paint.
Aureobasidium pullulans has a number of
potential applications. It is being investigated
as a possible biocontrol agent against fungi like
Botrytis and Monilia which cause post-harvest
storage rots of fruit such as grapes, cherries
and strawberries. It is a source of gluconic acid
and of the dextran pullulan, an extracellular
polysaccharide which has uses as an adhesive in
laminates and in fabrics. Pullulan is also used as
Fig17.23 Cladosporium.(a)Cladosporium herbarum; conidiophore with branching chain of blastoconidia.The terminal spores
of the chain continue to develop blastoconidia. (b,c) Cladosporium macrocarpum. (b) Conidiophores and conidia. (c) Conidiophores
developing from a sclerotium.