Mold is microscopic fungi that form plaque on organic matter, spoiling food and human habitation. Some types of mold are useful, others are neutral, and some are extremely harmful to humans. Therefore, it is necessary to distinguish between types of mold.
Instruction manual
1
Multi-colored mold spots can occur almost anywhere. On a strawberry berry or in a jar of jam pulled out of the closet, it is quite simple to find it - just pick up the infected object. However, you may not suspect that you have such a neighbor. Surely you have heavy furniture in your house that you prefer not to move during cleaning. Look under it - for sure mold fungus settled there. In order to determine the kind of mold, it is necessary to pay attention to its color, external structure and place of growth. It should be borne in mind that during the life cycle of mold, its color can change.
2
Aspergillus (Aspergillus) is a genus of imperfect fungi that is widespread and grows on various substrates. Take a closer look at the fungus, and you will see a widely branched mycelium (mycelium, the vegetative body of the fungus in the form of thin filaments), sometimes forming aerial filaments. Initially, the colony of aspergillus is white, however, as the spores mature, its color changes. Distributed everywhere. Black plaque on the walls, mold on bread and cheese - these are all representatives of this genus. Many types of aspergillum are dangerous to humans, cause various diseases and toxicosis. Some types are used in industry for the manufacture of paints, inks and certain medications.
3
The genus of penicillium (Penicillium) is the most common mold fungus. Their natural habitat is soil. As with Aspergillus, its mycelium is multicellular and branching. Penicillas are characterized by bright colony coloration — blue, pink, and orange. Notice if mold has stained the environment. This will clearly indicate that your mold belongs to this genus. It was from this mold that penicillin was obtained, and then a number of antibiotics. It is also used in the production of cheese. However, some species of penicillas that live in tropical climates can be dangerous to humans.
4
Mucor (Mucor) is widespread in the upper soil layer. May also develop on plant debris or organic substrate. Colonies of the genus mucor are white, beige or light gray. Old molds tend to be darker in color. Some types of mucor can cause disease, while others, on the contrary, are used to produce antibiotics.
5
Quite often you can find the cladosporium genus (Cladosporium). Pay attention to the appearance of the mold. Her body looks like miniature trees of a light olive color. Usually these fungi parasitize on plants. They can germinate on cereals, especially if they are stored in high humidity. In addition to harm to garden crops, this mushroom can also grow on fuel - kerosene, creazote, various lubricants, diesel fuel, causing the destruction of these substances. Some types of cladosporium settle in apartments, causing allergies and asthma in the people living there.
6
You could see molds of the genus Botrytis on botched fruit. This mold looks like a rich fluffy gray coating. It is thanks to the appearance of the fungus that the defeat is called "gray rot". Mushrooms from the genus Botritis cause enormous damage to agriculture.
