Erysiphe cruciferarum

Erysiphe cruciferarum is a species of fungus in the family Erysiphaceae. It is a plant pathogen that primarily affects members of the Brassicaceae family, which includes many economically important crops such as cabbage, broccoli, and mustard plants.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1877 by the German mycologist Heinrich Anton de Bary. It belongs to the genus Erysiphe, which comprises over 100 species of powdery mildew fungi.

Description and Life Cycle

Like all powdery mildew fungi, E. cruciferarum is characterized by its white, powdery growth on the surface of infected plants. The fungus reproduces asexually through the production of conidia, which are spread by wind to new host plants. Sexual reproduction occurs through the formation of ascospores, which are released from sac-like structures called asci.

Hosts and Symptoms

E. cruciferarum primarily infects plants in the Brassicaceae family. Symptoms of infection include white, powdery patches on the leaves, stems, and sometimes flowers of the host plant. Severe infections can lead to yellowing and wilting of the leaves, reduced growth, and decreased yield.

Management

Management of E. cruciferarum involves a combination of cultural practices, such as crop rotation and sanitation, and the use of fungicides. Resistant varieties of Brassicaceae crops are also available.

See Also

• List of Erysiphe species
• Powdery mildew