Gibberella intricans

Gibberella intricans is a species of fungus in the family Nectriaceae. It is a plant pathogen that affects a variety of crops, including wheat, barley, and corn. The fungus is known for causing Fusarium head blight, a devastating disease that can lead to significant yield losses.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1931 by the mycologist Johannes van Brummelen. It belongs to the genus Gibberella, which includes several other important plant pathogens. The specific epithet intricans refers to the intricate, web-like growth pattern of the fungus.

Description

Gibberella intricans is characterized by its red to purple perithecia, which are flask-shaped structures that produce ascospores. The ascospores are hyaline and fusiform, with a size of 3-5 x 1-2 µm. The fungus also produces macroconidia and microconidia, which are asexual spores.

Pathogenicity

Gibberella intricans is a necrotrophic fungus, meaning it kills host tissue and then feeds on the dead material. It produces several mycotoxins, including deoxynivalenol and zearalenone, which can contaminate crops and pose a risk to human and animal health.

Management

Management of Gibberella intricans 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 development of fungicide resistance.

See also

• List of Gibberella species
• Fusarium graminearum

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