Production of (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) Mycelial Pellets and Their Effects on Leaf-Cutting Ant Fungal Gardens.

The maintenance of the symbiosis between leaf-cutting ants and their mutualistic fungus Singer (Moller) is vital for the survival of both species. The specialist fungal parasite Muchovej & Della Lucia is a threat to this symbiosis, causing severe damage to the fungal garden. Mycelial pellets are resistant fungal structures that can be produced under laboratory conditions.