Give the salient features of the class Deuteromycetes.

Explanation

1. The fungi belonging to this group lack sexual reproduction and are called imperfect fungi.

2. A large number of species live as saprophytes in soil and many are plant and animal parasites.
3. Asexual reproduction takes place by the production of Conidia, Chlamydospores, Budding, Oidia etc.,
4. Conidia are also produced in special structures called Pycnidium, Acervulus, Sporodochium and Synnema.
5. Parasexual cycle operates in this group of fungi. This brings genetic variation among the species.