Chalara paradoxa

Chalara paradoxa is a species of fungus that is known to cause Black rot, a serious disease in coconut palms. It is a member of the Ascomycota phylum, which includes a wide variety of fungal species, many of which are important in natural ecosystems and human economies.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1914 by the mycologist Frederick Orpen Bower, who named it Chalara paradoxa. The genus name Chalara comes from the Greek word chalara, meaning "loose", and the species name paradoxa is derived from the Greek word paradoxos, meaning "contrary to expectation".

Description

Chalara paradoxa is a hyphomycete fungus, characterized by the production of asexual spores on simple or branched conidiophores. The spores are typically cylindrical or slightly curved, and are produced in chains. The fungus is known to produce a toxin that causes the characteristic black rot in coconut palms.

Distribution and habitat

Chalara paradoxa is found in tropical regions around the world, particularly in areas where coconut palms are grown. It is most commonly found in the soil, but can also be found on the surface of plants and in the air.

Pathogenicity

Chalara paradoxa is the causal agent of Black rot in coconut palms. The disease is characterized by the blackening and rotting of the coconut's tissues, leading to the death of the palm. The fungus enters the palm through wounds or natural openings, and then spreads through the plant's vascular system.

Management

Management of Chalara paradoxa involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical control. Cultural practices include the removal and destruction of infected plants, and the avoidance of wounding the palms. Chemical control involves the use of fungicides, although the effectiveness of these treatments can be variable.

See also

• List of coconut diseases
• Plant pathology