Typhula ishikariensis

Typhula ishikariensis is, along with Typhula incarnata, the causal agent of grey snow mould (also called speckled snow mould or Typhula blight), an obligately parasitic plant pathogen that can destroy turfgrass when covered for a long period with snow. It is a particular problem on golf courses established in unsuitable areas. More importantly, it can also damage crops of winter wheat. The species was described as new to science in 1930 by Japanese mycologist Sanshi Imai. The varieties canadensis and ishikariensis (the former as a new combination) were described in 1978. There is a wide variety within the species and not all authorities agree as to subspecies, or even whether it should be monophyletic.