About Eremothecium gossypii FDAG1 (GCA_000968835)

(also known as Ashbya gossypii) is a filamentous fungus or mold closely related to yeast, but growing exclusively in a filamentous way. It was originally isolated from cotton as a pathogen causing stigmatomycosis by Ashby and Nowell in 1926. This disease affects the development of hair cells in cotton bolls and can be transmitted to citrus fruits, which thereupon dry out and collapse (dry rot disease). In the first part of the 20th century, and two other fungi causing stigmatomycosis (, ) made it virtually impossible to grow cotton in certain regions of the subtropics, causing severe economical losses. Control of the spore-transmitting insects - cotton stainer () and (antestia bugs) - permitted full eradication of infections. was recognized as a natural overproducer of riboflavin (vitamin B~2~), which protects its spores against ultraviolet light. This made it an interesting organism for industries, where genetically modified strains are still used to produce this vitamin.

(Text and image from Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia.)

Taxonomy ID 1034331

Data source Biozentrum, University of Basel, Switzerland

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