Monilia sp

Reported to be allergenic. This fungus produces soft rot of tree fruits. Other members produce a red bread mold. It is infrequently involved in corneal eye infections.

Monilia sp is a fungus that is usually found in fruits, homes and soil. This genus does not have any sexual state. It can grow in sterilized soil that is found in green houses and in some cases; you can find it in bread which is why it is also referred to as red bread mold. The spores produced by this fungus are large and distinct.

The fungus grows rapidly and its reproduction is prolific which can be a problem especially when it is being grown in a laboratory because other cultures can easily be contaminated. It is mainly found in tropical and subtropical climates. Heat tends to activate the spores therefore they can also occur on vegetation that is burnt.

The most common species in the genus is the sitophila which is also called red bread mold. This species grows rapidly and has pink colonies with very many spores. These spores are usually dry and this makes it very easy for them to detach from each other.

Monilia sp has been observed for several years and the studies show that this fungus does not cause any diseases in animals. It is commonly used in research because it has several biological attributes.

Unlike other fungi, Monilia sp cannot survive or grow in the tissues, bladder or gut and this is one of the reasons why it cannot cause diseases in humans. Apart from the fact that it is widely used in laboratories, it is also found in baked goods, plywood factories and lumber yards. You can also find this fungus on sugar cane fields and grass that has been burnt. This fungus seems to thrive in areas that have experienced intense temperatures. This includes areas where a volcanic eruption has just taken place.

Large amounts of airborne spores from this fungus are believed to cause asthma in people who work in wood factories. The only serious effect this fungus seems to have on humans is infection of the cornea after cataract surgery.

The fungus has many positive uses especially when it comes to processing beverages and food. Studies show that there is no toxicity related incidents when the fungus is used and this indicates that it is safe. This fungus has been blamed for contamination when it comes to baked goods but this is usually caused by a lack of proper sanitation. Studies also show that it does not cause any diseases in plant species as well.

One of the main benefits of this mold is that it inhibits the growth of any other molds. This is one of the reasons why it used in cork manufacturing because it prevents cork taint. Monilia sp is one of the few funguses that are actually beneficial to human beings as opposed to being harmful.