Curvularia eragrostidis

Curvularia eragrostidis is a species of fungus belonging to the Pleosporaceae family. It is a plant pathogen that primarily affects Eragrostis species, including the lovegrass species Eragrostis curvula.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1923 by mycologists Charles Drechsler and John Nathan Couch. The genus Curvularia is characterized by its curved, multi-celled conidia, which are a type of spore produced by fungi in the division Ascomycota.

Description

Curvularia eragrostidis produces dark brown, multi-celled conidia that are curved and have a distinct central cell. The conidia are typically produced on short, dark conidiophores, which are specialized fungal structures that bear spores.

Pathogenicity

Curvularia eragrostidis is a pathogen of several species of Eragrostis, a genus of grasses commonly known as lovegrass. The fungus causes a disease known as leaf spot, which is characterized by the appearance of brown or black spots on the leaves of the host plant. In severe cases, the disease can lead to significant yield losses in affected crops.

Management

Management of Curvularia eragrostidis typically involves the use of fungicides and cultural practices such as crop rotation and the removal of infected plant material. Resistant varieties of Eragrostis are also available, which can help to reduce the impact of the disease.

See also

• List of Curvularia species
• List of Eragrostis species
• List of fungal plant pathogens and diseases