Ceuthospora lauri

Ceuthospora lauri is a species of fungus in the family Mycosphaerellaceae. It is a plant pathogen that primarily affects the Laurus nobilis, commonly known as the bay laurel or sweet bay.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1933 by mycologist John N. Couch. The genus Ceuthospora belongs to the family Mycosphaerellaceae, within the order Capnodiales, class Dothideomycetes, phylum Ascomycota, and kingdom Fungi.

Description

Ceuthospora lauri is characterized by its conidia, which are hyaline, aseptate, and have a distinct shape. The conidia are produced in acervuli, which are small, cushion-shaped fruiting bodies. The fungus is known to produce a sexual stage, or teleomorph, in the genus Mycosphaerella.

Pathogenicity

Ceuthospora lauri is a pathogen of the bay laurel, causing a disease known as leaf spot. The fungus infects the leaves of the plant, causing small, brown spots to appear. If the infection is severe, it can lead to defoliation and reduced plant vigor.

Management

Management of Ceuthospora lauri involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical control. Cultural practices include removing and destroying infected leaves and improving air circulation around the plants. Chemical control involves the use of fungicides.

See also

• List of Mycosphaerella species
• List of Laurus diseases