Fusarium culmorum

Fusarium culmorum is a fungal species that belongs to the Fusarium genus. It is a common pathogen of cereal crops, particularly wheat, barley, and oats. This fungus is responsible for diseases such as root rot, crown rot, and Fusarium head blight, which can cause significant yield losses.

Taxonomy

The species was first described by William G. Smith in 1891. It belongs to the Fusarium solani species complex within the Fusarium genus, which is part of the Nectriaceae family in the Ascomycota division of fungi.

Morphology

Fusarium culmorum is characterized by its production of curved, multicelled macroconidia with a foot-shaped base. It also produces oval, single-celled microconidia and chlamydospores. The fungus grows rapidly on agar media, producing colonies that are white to pale pink in color.

Pathogenicity

Fusarium culmorum is a necrotrophic pathogen, meaning it kills host tissue and then feeds on the dead material. It produces a variety of mycotoxins, including deoxynivalenol and zearalenone, which can contaminate grain and pose a risk to human and animal health.

Management

Management of Fusarium culmorum involves a combination of cultural practices, such as crop rotation and residue management, and the use of resistant varieties. Fungicides can also be used, but their effectiveness can be limited due to the ability of the fungus to survive in soil and crop residues.

See also

• Fusarium graminearum
• Fusarium oxysporum
• Fusarium wilt