Guignardia citricarpa

Guignardia citricarpa is a fungal pathogen that primarily affects citrus crops. It is the causative agent of a disease known as Citrus Black Spot (CBS), which is a serious threat to citrus production worldwide.

Taxonomy

The fungus was first described in 1913 by French mycologist Pierre Guignard, after whom it was named. It belongs to the Ascomycota division, the largest division of fungi, which includes more than 64,000 species.

Description

Guignardia citricarpa is a filamentous fungus, meaning it is composed of long, thread-like hyphae. It produces ascospores, which are the primary means of dispersal for the fungus. These ascospores are released into the air and can travel long distances, infecting new hosts.

Disease Cycle

The disease cycle of Guignardia citricarpa begins when ascospores land on the surface of a citrus fruit or leaf. The spores germinate and penetrate the plant tissue, causing the characteristic black spots of CBS. The fungus then produces more ascospores, which are released to infect new hosts.

Management

Management of Guignardia citricarpa and CBS involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical control. Cultural practices include pruning and sanitation to remove infected plant material. Chemical control typically involves the use of fungicides.

Economic Impact

The economic impact of Guignardia citricarpa is significant, particularly in regions where citrus is a major crop. The fungus can cause substantial yield losses and reduce the marketability of infected fruit.

See Also

• Citrus production
• Plant pathology
• Fungicide

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