Dilophospora alopecuri

Dilophospora alopecuri is a species of fungus in the family Pleosporaceae. It is a plant pathogen that primarily affects grasses, including the species Alopecurus, from which it derives its name.

Taxonomy

Dilophospora alopecuri belongs to the genus Dilophospora, which is part of the family Pleosporaceae. This family is one of the largest families of Ascomycota, a phylum of fungi that includes many important plant pathogens. The species name alopecuri refers to the genus Alopecurus, a type of grass that is commonly infected by this fungus.

Description

Dilophospora alopecuri is a filamentous fungus, meaning it grows in long, thread-like structures called hyphae. The hyphae of Dilophospora alopecuri are septate, meaning they are divided into individual cells by cross-walls. The fungus produces conidia, or asexual spores, which are spread by wind or water to new host plants.

Pathogenicity

Dilophospora alopecuri is a plant pathogen, causing disease in several species of grasses. The fungus infects the leaves of the grass, causing lesions and potentially leading to significant damage or even death of the plant. The most commonly affected species is Alopecurus, but the fungus can also infect other grasses.

Management

Management of Dilophospora alopecuri primarily involves cultural practices, such as crop rotation and the use of resistant varieties. Chemical control with fungicides may also be used in severe cases.

See also

• List of Dilophospora species
• Pleosporaceae
• Plant pathology