Cucurbitariaceae

Cucurbitariaceae is a family of fungi within the order Pleosporales. The family was first described by the German mycologist Heinrich Friedrich Link in 1809. The family is known for its members' ability to cause plant diseases, particularly on cereal crops.

Taxonomy

The family Cucurbitariaceae belongs to the class Dothideomycetes, the largest class of fungi within the phylum Ascomycota. The family is further divided into several genera, including Cucurbitaria, Didymocrea, Didymosphaeria, Leptosphaeria, and Phaeosphaeria.

Characteristics

Members of the Cucurbitariaceae family are typically characterized by their dark, globose to subglobose ascocarps, which are often covered in a layer of mycelium. The ascospores are typically brown and multi-septate.

Ecology and Pathogenicity

Cucurbitariaceae species are found worldwide, particularly in temperate regions. They are commonly found on dead or decaying plant material, but some species are also known to be pathogenic, causing diseases in a variety of plants. For example, Leptosphaeria maculans is a notable pathogen of oilseed rape, causing the disease known as stem canker or blackleg.

Research and Studies

Research into the Cucurbitariaceae family has primarily focused on their role as plant pathogens, with studies investigating their life cycle, infection process, and potential control methods. Understanding these fungi is crucial for developing effective strategies for plant disease management.

File:Cucurbitariaceae.jpg

A typical member of the Cucurbitariaceae family, showing the characteristic dark, globose ascocarps.

See also

• List of fungal families
• Plant pathology