Those fungi with hyphal characteristics similar to Rhizoctonia solani, but with only 2 nuclei per cell, are called binucleate types and are generally non-pathogenic. These Rhizoctonia solani -like fungi are saprophytic, do not cause disease, and feed on dead organic matter. Following invasion of the host by Rhizoctonia solani , sexual spores are formed on specialized structures called basidia. Four spores are produced on each basidium. Basidia are formed when the environment is moist and sufficient growth of the fungus has occurred.
Basidiospores are wind-dispersed and germinate with moisture.
Each basidiospore has a single nucleus. Observations of basidiospores on diseased host tissue is not common. Several methods have been developed to produce basidiospores in pure culture but it remains difficult. In recent years, the recognition of different anastomosis groups has helped to elucidate the complexity of this large fungal group. Further, when isolates are paired, only related mycelium will fuse and thus anastomosis groups have been defined by a set of tester isolates.