Fusarium decemcellulare

Fusarium decemcellulare is a species of fungus in the Fusarium genus, belonging to the Nectriaceae family. It is known for its role in plant diseases, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1945 by American mycologist Gordon W. Fischer. It belongs to the Fusarium solani species complex, a group of closely related fungi that are morphologically similar but genetically distinct.

Description

Fusarium decemcellulare is a filamentous fungus, characterized by its production of multi-celled, sickle-shaped macroconidia. The macroconidia are typically 3-5 cells long, with a foot cell at the base and a curved, pointed apex. The fungus also produces single-celled microconidia on monophialides, and chlamydospores in culture.

Ecology

Fusarium decemcellulare is a soil-borne fungus, capable of surviving in the soil as chlamydospores or in association with plant debris. It is a pathogen of several plant species, causing diseases such as root rot, wilt, and damping-off. The fungus is known to infect crops such as banana, papaya, and pineapple, causing significant economic losses.

Pathogenicity

The pathogenicity of Fusarium decemcellulare is associated with its ability to produce mycotoxins, toxic compounds that can cause disease in plants and animals. The fungus is also capable of infecting humans, causing fusariosis, a rare but serious infection that can affect the skin, eyes, and immune system.

Management

Management of Fusarium decemcellulare involves a combination of cultural practices, chemical control, and biological control. Cultural practices include crop rotation, use of resistant varieties, and proper sanitation. Chemical control involves the use of fungicides, while biological control involves the use of beneficial microorganisms that can suppress the growth of the fungus.

See also

• Fusarium wilt
• Fusarium oxysporum
• Fusarium solani