Ulocladium
Ulocladium is a genus of fungi. Species of this genus contain both plant pathogens and food spoilage agents. Other species contain enzymes that are biological control agents. Some members of the genus can invade homes and are a sign of moisture because the mold requires water to thrive. They can cause plant diseases or hay fever and more serious infections in immuno-suppressed individuals. Species of "Ulocladium" resemble those of genus "Alternaria" with which they were once included. Several DNA-based phylogenetic studies place "Ulocladium" convincingly within "Alternaria", suggesting that the latter is the correct classification for these species . However, "Ulocladium", unlike "Alternaria", do not produce alternariols, tenuazonic acid, altersolanols, or macrosporin. The species "Ulocladium oudemansii" is utilised as a biocontrol agent against "Botrytis cinerea". The New Zealand company Botryzen (2010) Ltd uses it to control Botrytis bunch rot in the NZ vineyard industry, Sclerotinia and Psa in the NZ kiwfruit industry. Conidia. Conidia are black, rough, with pointed base when young, with both transverse and longitudinal septae, single or in a short chain (only in U. chartarum). Conidiophores are pale brown, erect, multicelled, and develop conidia in a sympodial mode. The two common species of indoor Ulocladium are  U. botrytis and U. chartarum. This genus is closely related to Alternaria and Stemphyllium. Ulocladium conidia are characteristic and can be identified by properly trained laboratory analysts, although spores of Alternaria and Pithomyces may be confused with Ulocladium.