Cylindrocladium floridanum

Cylindrocladium floridanum is a species of fungus in the family Nectriaceae. It is a plant pathogen that primarily affects peanut crops, causing significant damage and yield loss.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1961 by American mycologists Harold W. Rickett and Robert A. Shoemaker. The genus name Cylindrocladium refers to the cylindrical shape of the conidia, while the species epithet floridanum indicates its discovery in the state of Florida.

Description

Cylindrocladium floridanum is characterized by its cylindrical, multi-septate conidia, which are borne on simple or branched conidiophores. The hyphae are hyaline and septate, with a smooth to slightly roughened surface.

Pathogenicity

Cylindrocladium floridanum is a significant pathogen of peanut crops, causing a disease known as Cylindrocladium black rot. The fungus infects the roots and lower stems of the plant, resulting in wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the plant. The disease is particularly severe in warm, wet conditions, and can result in significant yield loss.

Management

Management of Cylindrocladium floridanum involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical control. Crop rotation with non-host plants can help to reduce the amount of inoculum in the soil. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease, although resistance to certain fungicides has been reported.

See also

• List of peanut diseases
• Plant pathology