Diaporthe citri

Diaporthe citri is a fungal species that belongs to the Diaporthe genus. It is known for causing a disease known as Melanose in citrus trees.

Taxonomy

The species was first described by F.C. Stewart, an American mycologist, in 1913. It belongs to the Phomopsis section of the Diaporthe genus, which is part of the Diaporthaceae family in the Ascomycota division of fungi.

Description

Diaporthe citri is a filamentous fungus. It produces ascospores in asci, which are contained in perithecia. The perithecia are dark brown to black, spherical, and have a small opening at the top known as an ostiole. The asci are cylindrical and contain eight ascospores. The ascospores are hyaline, aseptate, and have a distinctive two-celled structure.

Pathogenicity

Diaporthe citri is a pathogen of citrus trees, causing a disease known as Melanose. The disease is characterized by dark, rough spots on the fruit, leaves, and twigs of the tree. The fungus infects the tree through wounds, often caused by pruning or damage from insects. The spores are spread by rain or irrigation water.

Management

Management of Diaporthe citri involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical control. Cultural practices include pruning and removing infected plant material, and avoiding wounding the trees. Chemical control involves the use of fungicides.

See also

• List of citrus diseases
• Citrus production

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