Diaporthe perniciosa

Diaporthe perniciosa is a fungal pathogen that affects a variety of plant species. It is a member of the Diaporthe genus, which includes several other significant plant pathogens.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in the scientific literature in the late 19th century. It belongs to the Ascomycota division, the largest division of fungi, which includes more than 64,000 species. Within this division, D. perniciosa is classified under the Sordariomycetes class, the Diaporthales order, and the Diaporthaceae family.

Description

Diaporthe perniciosa is a filamentous fungus, characterized by its thread-like hyphae. It produces ascospores in sac-like structures known as asci, a characteristic feature of the Ascomycota division.

Pathogenicity

D. perniciosa is a pathogen of several plant species, causing diseases such as stem canker and dieback. The fungus infects the plant through wounds, and then colonizes the plant tissues, leading to the formation of cankers and the death of the plant tissue.

Management

Management of D. perniciosa involves a combination of cultural practices, such as pruning and removal of infected plant material, and chemical control, using fungicides.

See also

• List of Diaporthe species
• Plant pathology