Calonectria rigidiuscula

Calonectria rigidiuscula is a species of fungus in the family Nectriaceae. It is a plant pathogen that causes Cylindrocladium black rot and leaf spot diseases, particularly in peanut crops.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1890 by Pier Andrea Saccardo, an Italian mycologist. The genus Calonectria comprises several species of fungi that are known to cause plant diseases. The species name rigidiuscula refers to the rigid nature of the fungus's hyphae.

Description

Calonectria rigidiuscula is characterized by its production of conidia, which are asexual, non-motile spores. The conidia are borne on conidiophores, which are specialized fungal structures. The fungus also produces perithecia, which are flask-shaped structures that contain the sexual spores, or ascospores.

Pathogenicity

Calonectria rigidiuscula is a significant pathogen of peanut crops, causing diseases such as Cylindrocladium black rot and leaf spot. The fungus infects the plant through the roots, causing wilting, yellowing, and eventually death of the plant. The disease can result in significant yield losses.

Management

Management of Calonectria rigidiuscula involves a combination of cultural practices, chemical control, and the use of resistant varieties. Cultural practices include crop rotation and the removal of infected plant debris. Chemical control involves the use of fungicides.

See also

• List of peanut diseases
• Plant pathology