Curvularia lunata

Curvularia lunata is a species of fungus belonging to the family Pleosporaceae. It is a dematiaceous (darkly pigmented) fungus, recognized for its pathogenicity in both humans and plants.

Taxonomy

The genus Curvularia was first described by Boedijn in 1933. Curvularia lunata is one of the most common species within this genus. The species name lunata refers to the crescent or moon-like shape of its conidia.

Description

Curvularia lunata is a filamentous fungus that produces darkly pigmented hyphae. It is characterized by its distinctive conidia, which are large, multicellular, and darkly pigmented. The conidia are typically curved or crescent-shaped, giving the species its name.

Pathogenicity

Curvularia lunata is a notable pathogen in both humans and plants. In humans, it can cause a variety of diseases, collectively known as phaeohyphomycosis. These can range from mild skin and nail infections to severe systemic infections. In plants, Curvularia lunata can cause leaf spot diseases, particularly in cereal crops like maize and sorghum.

Treatment and Control

Treatment of Curvularia lunata infections in humans typically involves antifungal medications, such as itraconazole or amphotericin B. In plants, control measures may include the use of fungicides, crop rotation, and the cultivation of resistant varieties.

See Also

• Mycology
• Plant Pathology
• Medical Mycology