Botryosphaeria ribis

Botryosphaeria ribis is a species of fungus in the family Botryosphaeriaceae. It is a plant pathogen that affects a wide range of host plants, causing diseases such as dieback, canker, and fruit rot.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1913 by George Edward Massee, a British mycologist. It belongs to the genus Botryosphaeria, which comprises over 18 species of fungi. The specific epithet ribis refers to the genus Ribes, as the fungus was first isolated from currant plants in this genus.

Description

Botryosphaeria ribis is characterized by its dark, globose ascocarps and elongated, hyaline ascospores. The fungus produces conidia in a separate, asexual stage known as the anamorph, which is referred to as Diplodia.

Pathogenicity

Botryosphaeria ribis is a significant plant pathogen. It infects a wide range of host plants, including fruit trees such as apple, pear, and peach, as well as ornamental plants and forest trees. The fungus enters the plant through wounds or natural openings and causes diseases such as dieback, canker, and fruit rot.

Management

Management of Botryosphaeria ribis involves a combination of cultural practices, chemical control, and biological control. Cultural practices include pruning and removal of infected plant material, while chemical control involves the use of fungicides. Biological control with antagonistic microorganisms is also being explored as a sustainable management strategy.

See also

• List of Botryosphaeria species
• Plant pathology

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