Glomerella cingulata

Glomerella cingulata is a species of fungus that belongs to the Ascomycota phylum. It is the sexual stage of the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, which is known to cause anthracnose in a variety of plant species.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1889 by mycologist George Francis Atkinson. The genus name Glomerella is derived from the Latin glomus, meaning "ball of yarn", and ella, a diminutive suffix. The species name cingulata is derived from the Latin cingulum, meaning "girdle", in reference to the characteristic appearance of the fungus.

Description

Glomerella cingulata is characterized by its conidia, which are single-celled, hyaline, and cylindrical. The ascospores are also hyaline and cylindrical, but are two-celled. The fungus produces perithecia, which are spherical and have a short neck.

Pathogenicity

Glomerella cingulata is a pathogen of many plant species, causing a disease known as anthracnose. The fungus infects the plant through wounds or natural openings, and causes symptoms such as leaf spots, wilting, and fruit rot. The disease can be severe in warm, humid conditions.

Management

Management of Glomerella cingulata involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical control. Cultural practices include removing infected plant material and avoiding overhead irrigation. Chemical control involves the use of fungicides.

See also

• List of Glomerella species
• Anthracnose
• Colletotrichum gloeosporioides