rhizopus

1 9.9

A common mold that grows on old bread, fruit, and vegetables

noun
/raɪˈzoʊpəs/

Specialized

: rizopus

Certain species of rhizopus can spoil fruits and cause soft rot in vegetables.

Examples

In laboratories, rhizopus is used to study fungal growth and decomposition.
The rhizopus fungus thrives on decaying fruit.
Rhizopus is often responsible for the black bread mold seen on stale loaves.
Many rhizopuses can be found in compost piles.
The rhizopus fungi can often be seen growing on rotting fruit in the kitchen.
Farmers must be careful, as rhizopus can spoil their vegetable crops if not managed properly.
After a few days, the rhizopus spread rapidly over the decaying organic material in the compost pile.

Compounds

Rhizopus nigricans

Specialized

9.9

A mold that commonly grows on old bread and other rotting food

Rhizopus stolonifer

Specialized

9.9

A mold that causes soft, wet rot in fruits and vegetables and dry rot in sweet potato roots

Surface Forms

rhizopus singular

rhizopuses plural

Etymology

Rhizopus comes from Greek parts rhiz- meaning 'root' and -pus meaning 'foot'. That name paints a simple picture: the fungus has root-like threads that act like little 'feet' to grip and grow into rotten bread and fruit, which is why rhizopus often appears as the mold that spoils food.