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.

Types of Spore Dispersal Mechanism in Fungi

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.