Corynespora cassiicola

Corynespora cassiicola is a fungal pathogen that causes significant damage to a wide range of crops and ornamental plants. It is known for causing Corynespora leaf fall disease, also known as target leaf spot, in cucumbers, tomatoes, cotton, soybeans, and rubber trees among others.

Taxonomy

The fungus belongs to the Corynespora genus, which is part of the Pleosporaceae family. The species name cassiicola is derived from one of its primary hosts, the cassia plant.

Description

Corynespora cassiicola is characterized by its dark brown to black mycelium, which produces conidia that are multi-celled, hyaline, and cylindrical in shape. The conidia are dispersed by wind and rain, allowing the fungus to spread rapidly under favorable conditions.

Pathology

The fungus causes Corynespora leaf fall disease, which is characterized by the appearance of brown to black spots on the leaves of infected plants. As the disease progresses, the spots enlarge and coalesce, leading to extensive leaf fall. This can result in significant yield losses in affected crops.

Management

Management of Corynespora cassiicola involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical control. Cultural practices include crop rotation, removal of infected plant material, and avoiding overhead irrigation. Chemical control typically involves the use of fungicides.

Economic Impact

Corynespora cassiicola has a significant economic impact, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions where conditions are favorable for its growth and spread. It is a major pathogen of rubber trees in Southeast Asia, and also causes significant losses in cucumber, tomato, cotton, and soybean crops.

See Also

• Plant pathology
• Fungal plant pathogens and diseases
• Pleosporaceae

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