Diaporthe tanakae

Diaporthe tanakae is a species of fungus in the family Diaporthaceae. It is a plant pathogen that affects a variety of crop species, causing significant damage and yield loss.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1915 by Japanese mycologist Yoshiyuki Tanaka, after whom it is named. It belongs to the genus Diaporthe, which comprises over 800 species of fungi.

Description

Diaporthe tanakae is characterized by its small, black, and spherical fruiting bodies known as perithecia. The spores of Diaporthe tanakae are hyaline, ellipsoid, and have two oil droplets.

Distribution and habitat

Diaporthe tanakae is found worldwide, particularly in temperate regions. It is commonly found in soil, on dead plant material, and as an endophyte in healthy plant tissue.

Pathogenicity

Diaporthe tanakae is a pathogen of several important crop species, including soybean, peanut, and sunflower. It causes diseases such as stem canker, leaf spot, and pod and stem blight, leading to significant yield loss.

Management

Management of Diaporthe tanakae involves a combination of cultural practices, chemical control, and breeding for resistance. Crop rotation and removal of infected plant debris can help reduce the inoculum in the field. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease, but resistance can develop. Breeding for resistance is a long-term strategy that can provide durable control of the disease.

See also

• List of soybean diseases
• List of peanut diseases
• List of sunflower diseases