Fusarium incarnatum

Fusarium incarnatum is a species of fungus in the family Nectriaceae. It is a common soil-borne fungus that is found worldwide and is known to cause disease in a variety of plant species.

Taxonomy

The genus Fusarium was first described by the British mycologist William G. Smith in 1884. The species incarnatum was later added by the German mycologist Paul Christoph Hennings in 1904. The name incarnatum comes from the Latin word for "flesh-colored", referring to the color of the fungus.

Description

Fusarium incarnatum is characterized by its pink to salmon-colored mycelium. The conidia are typically oval or kidney-shaped and are produced on short, branched conidiophores. The fungus also produces chlamydospores, which are thick-walled, resistant structures that allow the fungus to survive in adverse conditions.

Ecology and Pathogenicity

Fusarium incarnatum is a saprophyte, meaning it obtains its nutrients from dead or decaying organic matter. However, it can also act as a pathogen, causing disease in a variety of plants. The fungus is known to cause root rot, wilt, and blight in crops such as wheat, corn, and soybeans. It can also infect ornamental plants and trees.

The fungus produces several mycotoxins, including fumonisins and trichothecenes, which can cause illness in humans and animals if ingested. The fungus is also a potential allergen, and can cause respiratory problems in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Control and Management

Control of Fusarium incarnatum involves a combination of cultural practices, chemical treatments, and the use of resistant plant varieties. Cultural practices include crop rotation, the use of clean seed, and the removal of infected plant material. Chemical treatments include the use of fungicides and biocontrol agents. Resistant plant varieties are developed through plant breeding programs.

See Also

• Fusarium wilt
• Fusarium head blight
• Fusarium ear rot