Fusarium subglutinans

Fusarium subglutinans is a species of fungus belonging to the genus Fusarium, which is known for its significant role in plant pathology. This species is particularly notable for its ability to cause diseases in a variety of crops, including maize, pineapple, and banana.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1973 by W. Gerlach and H. Nirenberg. It belongs to the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex, a group of closely related species that are often difficult to distinguish based on morphology alone.

Morphology

Like other members of the genus Fusarium, Fusarium subglutinans produces a variety of spore types, including macroconidia, microconidia, and chlamydospores. The macroconidia are typically sickle-shaped and have a foot cell at the base.

Pathogenicity

Fusarium subglutinans is a significant plant pathogen, causing diseases such as Fusarium ear rot in maize, Fusarium wilt in banana, and Fusarium heart rot in pineapple. The fungus produces a variety of mycotoxins, including fumonisins and moniliformin, which can contaminate crops and pose a risk to human and animal health.

Management

Management of Fusarium subglutinans diseases involves a combination of cultural practices, such as crop rotation and the use of resistant varieties, and chemical control with fungicides. However, the effectiveness of these measures can be limited by the ability of the fungus to survive in soil and plant debris.

See also

• Fusarium verticillioides
• Fusarium proliferatum
• Fusarium oxysporum