sclerotial
/skləˈroʊʃəl/
adjective
- Relating to or resembling a sclerotium, a hard, resting mass of fungal tissue.
- Farmers watch for sclerotial growth on crops to detect fungal infections early.
- The sclerotial bodies of the fungus can survive in soil for many years.
- The sclerotial stage of the fungus is its most durable form.