Dothiorella gregaria

Dothiorella gregaria is a species of fungus in the family Botryosphaeriaceae. It is a plant pathogen that affects a wide range of host plants, causing diseases such as dieback and canker.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1961 by mycologists G. Arnaud and A. Saccardo. The genus Dothiorella belongs to the family Botryosphaeriaceae, which is part of the order Botryosphaeriales.

Description

Dothiorella gregaria is characterized by its small, black, and spherical fruiting body known as an ascocarp. The ascocarp contains numerous ascospores, which are the reproductive spores of the fungus. The ascospores are hyaline, unicellular, and have a smooth surface.

Distribution and habitat

Dothiorella gregaria is found worldwide, particularly in temperate regions. It is commonly found on dead or dying wood, but can also infect living plants, causing diseases such as dieback and canker.

Pathogenicity

Dothiorella gregaria is a necrotrophic pathogen, meaning it kills host tissue and then feeds on the dead material. It can infect a wide range of host plants, including fruit trees, ornamental plants, and forest trees. The fungus enters the plant through wounds or natural openings, and then colonizes the plant tissue, causing symptoms such as wilting, dieback, and canker.

Management

Management of Dothiorella gregaria involves a combination of cultural practices, chemical control, and biological control. Cultural practices include proper sanitation and pruning to remove infected plant material. Chemical control involves the use of fungicides, while biological control involves the use of beneficial organisms that can suppress the pathogen.

See also

• List of Dothiorella species
• Botryosphaeriaceae
• Plant pathology