Coelomycetes

Coelomycetes are an obsolete form-class (a taxonomic grouping based on morphology rather than phylogeny) of fungi within the Deuteromycetes (Fungi Imperfecti), a group of fungi that lack a known sexual stage (teleomorph). They are characterized by asexual reproduction (anamorph) through the production of conidia (asexual spores) within specialized fruiting bodies. These fruiting bodies are typically either acervuli or pycnidia.

• Acervuli: These are saucer-shaped or cushion-like structures that form beneath the epidermis or cuticle of a host plant. They rupture to release the conidia.

• Pycnidia: These are flask-shaped or globose structures with an opening (ostiole) through which the conidia are released.

Because Coelomycetes are defined solely by their asexual structures and lack a known sexual stage, their true phylogenetic relationships were often unclear. With the advent of molecular techniques, many species formerly classified as Coelomycetes have been reassigned to other fungal groups, such as the Ascomycota, once their teleomorphic stages were discovered or their genetic relatedness to other groups was established.

The term "Coelomycetes" is now primarily used in a descriptive sense to refer to fungi that form conidia in acervuli or pycnidia, regardless of their phylogenetic classification. It's more of a practical grouping for identification purposes than a formal taxonomic designation.