Diplocarpon mali

Diplocarpon mali is a species of fungus that is the causal agent of apple scab, a serious disease of apple trees. This fungus is a member of the Ascomycota phylum, which includes a wide variety of fungal species, many of which are important plant pathogens.

Taxonomy

The genus Diplocarpon is part of the family Dermateaceae, in the order Helotiales. The species mali was first described by the mycologist Erwin Frink Smith in 1906. The genus name Diplocarpon refers to the characteristic double spore sacs (asci) produced by these fungi, while the species name mali refers to the host plant, the apple tree (Malus).

Life Cycle

Diplocarpon mali has a complex life cycle that involves both sexual and asexual reproduction. The fungus overwinters as ascospores in fallen leaves and infected fruit. In the spring, these ascospores are released and carried by the wind to the leaves and fruit of apple trees, where they germinate and infect the plant. The fungus then produces asexual spores (conidia) that spread the infection to other parts of the tree.

Disease Symptoms and Management

Apple scab caused by Diplocarpon mali is characterized by dark, scaly lesions on the leaves, fruit, and sometimes the twigs of apple trees. The disease can cause significant yield loss and reduce the quality of the fruit. Management of apple scab involves a combination of cultural practices, such as sanitation and pruning, and the use of fungicides. Resistant apple varieties are also available.

See Also

• Apple scab
• Ascomycota
• Fungicide
• Plant pathology