Rhizopus stolonifer

Rhizopus stolonifer is a type of filamentous fungus commonly known as bread mold. It belongs to the genus Rhizopus, which includes about 10 species. These fungi are often saprobic, meaning they decompose dead organic matter, but some can be parasitic or pathogenic to plants and animals.1

Rhizopus fungi have a body made of branching mycelia. They reproduce asexually through numerous spores produced in rounded, black sporangia. Sexual reproduction can also occur. Their colonies grow rapidly and can appear white, turning dark as spores develop.1

While some Rhizopus species have industrial uses, such as in the production of lactic acid and cortisone, R. stolonifer is particularly known for causing postharvest plant diseases like storage rot in fruits such as strawberries and tomatoes. It can also cause a rare but serious infection in humans called mucormycosis, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.1