Asellariales

Asellariales is an order of fungi within the division Entomophthoromycota. These fungi are recognized as obligate commensals that reside within the digestive tracts of various arthropods. Unlike pathogenic fungi that attack plant tissues, Asellariales live in a stable, protected environment provided by the host's hindgut, adhering to the chitinous lining without causing immediate harm to the host or the plants that the host may interact with.

The biology of these organisms is defined by their septate mycelium and specialized attachment structures. They obtain nutrients from the host's gut contents, effectively becoming part of the host's microbiome. This symbiotic relationship is highly specialized, meaning that different species of Asellariales are often restricted to specific groups of arthropod hosts, particularly those inhabiting soil or litter layers.

Regarding their impact on crops, Asellariales do not cause plant diseases, symptoms like wilting, or necrotic lesions. Their importance in agriculture is primarily ecological. By interacting with soil-dwelling arthropods, they may subtly influence the health and metabolic state of organisms that contribute to soil aeration, nutrient cycling, or, in some cases, the spread of other plant-pathogenic microorganisms.

The development and spread of these fungi rely heavily on the host's life cycle. Spores are released into the environment through the host's feces. These spores are capable of surviving in the soil, awaiting ingestion by a new host. Environmental conditions like moisture levels and soil structure play a critical role in the dispersal and survival of the spores while they are outside the host's body.

There are no specific protective measures required against Asellariales, as they are not detrimental to agricultural crops. Maintaining a healthy soil ecosystem and preventing extreme disturbances to soil biology are the best practices to support the natural balance of beneficial and commensal organisms. Their presence is generally considered neutral or indicative of a biologically active and healthy soil environment.