Diplodia mutila

Diplodia mutila is a species of fungus in the family Botryosphaeriaceae. It is a plant pathogen that affects a variety of plant species, causing diseases such as dieback and canker.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1818 by Elias Magnus Fries, a Swedish mycologist. The genus Diplodia belongs to the family Botryosphaeriaceae, which is part of the order Botryosphaeriales.

Description

Diplodia mutila is characterized by its small, black, and spherical fruiting bodies known as pycnidia. The spores are hyaline and aseptate, and they are produced in a gelatinous matrix inside the pycnidia.

Pathogenicity

Diplodia mutila is a pathogen that causes disease in a variety of plant species. It is known to cause dieback and canker, which can lead to significant damage and even death of the plant. The fungus enters the plant through wounds or natural openings and then colonizes the plant tissue, causing necrosis.

Management

Management of Diplodia mutila involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical control. Cultural practices include proper sanitation and pruning to remove infected plant material. Chemical control involves the use of fungicides to prevent the spread of the fungus.

See also

• List of Diplodia species
• Botryosphaeriaceae
• Plant pathology