Athelia rolfsii

Athelia rolfsii (also known as Sclerotium rolfsii) is a fungal pathogen that affects a wide range of plant species. It is a member of the Basidiomycota division of fungi and is known for its ability to produce a large number of sclerotia, which are hardened masses of mycelium that allow the fungus to survive in adverse conditions.

Taxonomy

The fungus was first described by American mycologist Percy H. Rolfs in 1911, who named it Sclerotium rolfsii. It was later transferred to the genus Athelia in 1969 by Finnish mycologist Tuomo Niemelä. The species name rolfsii is in honor of Percy Rolfs.

Description

Athelia rolfsii is characterized by its production of sclerotia, which are typically tan to brown in color and can range in size from a few millimeters to over a centimeter in diameter. The fungus also produces a white, cottony mycelium that can cover the surface of infected plants.

Pathogenicity

Athelia rolfsii is a necrotrophic pathogen, meaning it kills host tissue and then feeds on the dead material. It is capable of infecting over 500 species of plants, including important agricultural crops such as peanut, soybean, and tomato. The fungus can cause a variety of diseases, including root rot, stem rot, and crown rot.

Management

Management of Athelia rolfsii typically involves a combination of cultural practices, such as crop rotation and sanitation, and the use of fungicides. Biological control using antagonistic organisms, such as Trichoderma species, has also been explored.

See also

• List of Athelia species
• List of soybean diseases
• List of tomato diseases