Curvularia is a genus of hyphomycete (mold) fungi which can be pathogens but also act as beneficial partners of many plant species.

The hyphae produce brown spore bearing organs, 'conidiophores', which are distinguished by their 'geniculate' [1] shape, meaning they have bends of abrupt kneelike angles.

Curvularia can be distinguished from the species Bipolaris and Drechslera by the way (angle) walls (septae) divide the inner structure of their spores.

Plants unrelated to panic grass also experience this protective effect when inoculated with the virus-infected fungus.

[4] Primary species of Curvularia commonly found in soils and on plant tissues (including seeds) are shown here: