Cylindrocladiella camelliae

Cylindrocladiella camelliae is a species of fungus in the family Nectriaceae. It is a plant pathogen that primarily affects the Camellia plant, causing a disease known as Camellia dieback and canker.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1983 by mycologists Boesewinkel and Smith. The genus Cylindrocladiella is characterized by its production of conidia in simple or branched chains, and C. camelliae is one of several species within this genus.

Description

Cylindrocladiella camelliae is a filamentous fungus, producing long, thread-like hyphae. The conidia are cylindrical in shape, hence the name Cylindrocladiella. The fungus is heterothallic, meaning it requires two different mating types for sexual reproduction.

Pathogenicity

C. camelliae is a pathogen of Camellia plants, causing a disease known as Camellia dieback and canker. The fungus infects the plant through wounds, and causes wilting, yellowing of leaves, and dieback of branches. In severe cases, it can lead to the death of the plant.

Management

Management of C. camelliae involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical control. Cultural practices include avoiding wounding the plant, removing and destroying infected plant material, and improving plant vigor through proper watering and fertilization. Chemical control involves the use of fungicides.

See also

• List of Camellia diseases
• Plant pathology