A new inoperculate discomycete associated with roots of Picea

A new inoperculate discomycete, Neocudoniella radicella, producing ascomata on rootlets, probably of Picea spp., is described and its taxonomic relationships discussed. In vitro resynthesis studies between isolates of the new fungus and seedlings of Picea mariana show that the fungus produces irregular mantle and Hartig net-like structures on rootlets. It is, however, unclear whether the association is mycorrhizal or parasitic.