Here at 400x and 100x magnification respectively, Epicoccum purpurascens (nigrum) is a ubiquitous endophyte with spores typically measuring 15-25 µm. It is found in soil and living on many different plant and seed types, such as barley, oats, wheat, and corn. Indoors it is found in carpets, mattresses, and on fabric. Growth occurs from -3°C to 45°C, with most advantageous growth at 22-27°C. Relative humidity of >90% is requisite for germination. Just as with Alternaria and Cladosporium, aerosol Epicoccum spores are more prevalent on dry, windy days, with counts elevating as the day progresses. It is a common mold and the spores can be a human allergen, although Epicoccum is not pathogenic to humans and can be observed on human skin samples.
The kingdom Fungi doesn’t just contain the scrumptious Agaricus bisporus mushrooms you love on your pizza, or the crucial yeast species S.Cerevisiae that ferments our beer. We know through such examples that fungi are interesting and useful to humans, but we can have an adversarial relationship with them too. For example, the dreamy blue swirls of Penicillium in the bleu cheese on the salad at lunch are not so appetizing when found in full, hairy, greenish-blue bloom on a wet cardboard box, wafting billions of spores into the surrounding atmosphere. What’s more, shockingly enough, mold has even been observed as a nuisance in an extra-terrestrial environ: in 1988, an astronaut attempting to look out of Russia’s Mir space station was taken aback when he noticed the view was obscured by a thick layer of fungus growing on the inside of the window glass! For evolutionary reasons,
we will never (and wouldn’t want to ever) be rid of
fungi—as mold or otherwise. With that being said, we
shouldn’t relent in our efforts to prevent it from
encroaching upon the controlled environments we define
and maintain. Here are 6 tips to facilitate prevention
of mold proliferation in your controlled operation and
storage areas:
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Steve received his bachelor’s degrees in Biology and History, respectively, from Indiana University. In addition to voluminous experience in the biopharmaceutical realm, Stephen has worked in the petroleum analysis and education fields as well. His past employment includes work at Blackstone Laboratories in Indiana, and at both Tezukayama Jr/Sr High School and International Language Center, in Osaka, Japan. His industry and community interests include the Indiana Center for the Life Sciences, BioCrossroads, Indiana University School of Biology, and mycological excursions (hunting morels!) in Hoosier National Forest.
