Spore Dispersal Mechanism in Fungi (4 Types of Spore Dispersal)

In this article we will discuss about spore dispersal mechanism in fungi :- Air Borne Spores, Pressure, Animals and Fluid Spore Dispersal

Spore Dispersal Mechanism in Fungi

Fungal spores are microscopic that allow fungi to be reproduced, serving a similar purpose to that of seeds in the higher plant.
Large number of spore production is not only the reason for abundance of fungi.
The spore dispersal mechanisms in fungi help spread spores over long distances.
There is also a practical reason why it is important for fungi to disperse their spores.
Prevents overcrowding near the parent mycelium, ensuring food availability and survival.

1. Air Borne Spores

These spores are dry spores they do not readily soak up in water and are said to be hydrophobic.
Although this may not be very intuitive, the initial resistance of these spores to water makes a great deal of sense.
The absorption of water by spores would give them extra weight, making it more difficult for them to stay afloat.
The majority of the known species of fungi disperse their spores by wind.
Most fungal spores being deposited within about 200m from their point of liberation. Some spores travel long distances.
E.g. Puccinia gramminis, the wheat stem rust fungus, from Australia to New Zealand

2. Pressure

In some fungi, the spores are held in a mass inside a more or less spherical ball.
There is a small pore in the wall on the top of the ball.
Raindrops or animal contact placing pressure on the top of the ball will force the spores inside to puff out and be carried away by air currents.
There will be more air currents higher up which help the spores to disperse further.
E.g., Puffballs and earthstars

3. Animals

Fungi, such as stinkhorns use insects to disperse their spores.
The stinkhorn fruiting body has a slimy spore mass which smells like carrion.
This attracts insects which normally feed on carrion, particularly flies and as they walk around in the spore mass, spores stick to their feet and bodies.
When they fly away, the spores will be transferred to other places.

4. Fluid

Ink Caps fungi use a quite different method to disperse their spores.
They are gill fungi in which the gills break down as they mature.
This results in a dripping black inky fluid containing the spores.
At one time this fluid was used as ink, giving these fungi their common name.
Bird’s Nest fungi produce fruiting bodies which resemble a bird’s nest.
These are hollow structures containing small hard packets of spores called peridioles
Rain drops in heavy storms splash into the ‘nest’ structure ejecting the peridioles some distance from the fruiting body.