Corticium theae

Corticium theae is a species of fungus in the family Corticiaceae. It is a plant pathogen that primarily affects tea plants, hence its specific epithet theae, which is derived from the Latin word for tea.

Taxonomy

The species was first described scientifically by mycologist Curtis Gates Lloyd in 1917. The generic name Corticium is derived from the Latin word cortex, meaning bark, referring to the typical habitat of species in this genus.

Description

Corticium theae is a basidiomycete fungus that forms a white, crust-like fruit body on the bark of its host plant. The fruit bodies are typically smooth, but can become wrinkled with age. The spores of Corticium theae are cylindrical and smooth.

Distribution and habitat

Corticium theae is found in Asia, particularly in regions where tea is cultivated, such as China, India, and Sri Lanka. It grows on the bark of tea plants, causing a disease known as Corticium wilt.

Pathogenicity

As a plant pathogen, Corticium theae causes significant damage to tea plants. The fungus invades the plant's vascular system, causing wilting and eventually death of the plant. Control measures include the use of fungicides and the removal of infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease.

See also

• List of tea diseases
• Corticium disease