Botryosphaeria obtusa

Botryosphaeria obtusa is a fungal pathogen that is known to cause significant damage to a variety of plant species. It is a member of the Botryosphaeriaceae family and is commonly referred to as the black rot fungus.

Taxonomy

The fungus was first described in 1875 by Pier Andrea Saccardo, an Italian mycologist. It belongs to the Ascomycota division, the largest division of fungi, which includes more than 64,000 species. The species name obtusa refers to the blunt or rounded ends of the spores produced by the fungus.

Description

Botryosphaeria obtusa is characterized by its dark, spherical fruiting bodies that produce spores. The spores are typically hyaline and unicellular, and they are dispersed by wind or water. The fungus also produces mycelia, which are the vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a network of fine white filaments.

Pathology

Botryosphaeria obtusa is a necrotrophic pathogen, meaning it kills host tissue and then feeds on the dead material. It is known to cause a variety of diseases in plants, including black rot in grapes, canker in apple trees, and dieback in various other plant species. The fungus enters the plant through wounds or natural openings and then spreads throughout the plant, causing necrosis of the tissue.

Management

Control of Botryosphaeria obtusa typically involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical treatments. Cultural practices include pruning infected branches and removing infected fruit. Chemical treatments include the application of fungicides. However, the fungus can develop resistance to these treatments, making management challenging.

Impact

The economic impact of Botryosphaeria obtusa is significant, particularly in the grape and apple industries. The fungus can cause substantial yield losses and reduce the quality of the fruit. In addition, the cost of managing the disease can be high.

See also

• Botryosphaeria dothidea
• Botryosphaeria berengeriana
• Botryosphaeria rhodina