The life cycle of "R. microsporus" is quite similar to the general life cycles of common "Rhizopus" species. The primary feature as a plant pathogen is the intake of resources from a plant host. The initial infection occurs from asexual spores overwintered in plant debris. These spores infect the host where susceptibility is best, such as young roots of rice seedlings, or the mature sunflower head. Once infected, the production of hyphae and mycelium continue to spread the infection, creating sporangia as a secondary cycle. The resources gathered are a result of the symbiotic relationship with "Burkholderia" species, allowing for rhizoxin production to kill plant cells.