Botryosphaeriaceae

Botryosphaeriaceae is a family of fungi that belongs to the order Botryosphaeriales. The family is known for its members that cause diseases in a wide range of plant species.

Taxonomy

The family Botryosphaeriaceae was first described by Theodor von Höhnel in 1909. It is classified under the class Dothideomycetes, which is one of the largest classes of fungi. The family includes several genera, such as Botryosphaeria, Diplodia, Lasiodiplodia, and Neofusicoccum.

Characteristics

Members of the Botryosphaeriaceae family are typically saprophytic, living on dead or decaying organic matter. However, many species are also pathogenic, causing diseases in plants. They produce ascospores and conidia, which are types of fungal spores.

Pathogenicity

Many species of Botryosphaeriaceae are significant plant pathogens. They can infect a wide range of hosts, including trees, shrubs, and vines. Diseases caused by these fungi include dieback, canker, and fruit rot. The fungi can enter the plant through wounds or natural openings and cause damage by killing cells and tissues.

Control

Control of Botryosphaeriaceae diseases involves a combination of cultural practices, chemical treatments, and biological control. Cultural practices include proper sanitation and pruning to remove infected plant parts. Chemical treatments involve the use of fungicides. Biological control includes the use of beneficial organisms that can suppress the growth of the fungi.

See also

• List of Botryosphaeriaceae genera
• Plant pathology