Definition

Noun: 1. A genus of fungi: A taxonomic category (genus) of fungi characterized by having simple, smooth fruiting bodies (sporophores). Some species within this genus are parasitic, causing disease in woody plants or economically important agricultural crops. Historically, some species now classified under Corticium were previously placed in the form genus Rhizoctinia.

Usage Notes

• Scientific Classification: This term is used almost exclusively in scientific contexts, particularly in mycology (the study of fungi), plant pathology, and taxonomy.
• Capitalization: As a formal genus name, it is always capitalized and italicized: .
• Context: It is typically used when discussing fungal taxonomy, plant diseases, or the biology of basidiomycete fungi.

Examples

• Scientific Text:
  • The fungus was identified as belonging to the genus Corticium based on its smooth hymenium.
  • Several species in genus Corticium are responsible for significant crop losses.
• Discussion:
  • "The pathogen causing this root rot was once classified under Rhizoctinia but is now correctly placed in genus Corticium."

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Revision: The classification of fungi is periodically revised. The note that some species were "formerly placed in form genus Rhizoctinia" is an example of such a revision, important for understanding historical literature.
• Form Genus: The term "form genus" (like ) refers to a classification based primarily on morphology for asexual states, which may be consolidated under a single sexual-state genus (like ) upon further study.

Variants and Related Words

• Corticium: The standard, abbreviated way to refer to the genus in scientific writing after its first full mention (e.g., "...the genus . species are...").
• corticioid (adj.): Describing fungi that resemble or are related to those in the family Corticiaceae, which includes .
• Rhizoctonia (n.): A form genus name still in use for the anamorphic (asexual) stage of some fungi, including some with teleomorphs (sexual stages) in and other genera.

Synonyms

• Scientific Synonym: (historical/partial synonym for some species, based on asexual form).

Related Terms (Not Synonyms)

• Basidiomycete: The larger phylum/division of fungi to which this genus belongs, characterized by producing spores on a basidium.
• Corticiaceae: The family of fungi that traditionally includes the genus .
• Plant Pathogen: A descriptive term for the parasitic species within this genus that cause plant diseases.

Noun

1. genus of fungi having simple smooth sporophores; some are parasitic on wood or economic crops; some species formerly placed in form genus Rhizoctinia