Leucostoma auerswaldii

Leucostoma auerswaldii is a species of fungus in the family Valsaceae. It is a plant pathogen that primarily affects stone fruit trees, including peaches, plums, and cherry trees.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1870 by mycologist Julius Oscar Brefeld. The genus name Leucostoma comes from the Greek words leukos, meaning "white", and stoma, meaning "mouth". This refers to the white spore-bearing structures of the fungus. The species name auerswaldii honors the German botanist Carl Auerswald, who made significant contributions to the study of fungi.

Description and Identification

Leucostoma auerswaldii is characterized by its white, cushion-like fruiting body that produces spores. The spores are elliptical and hyaline, meaning they are colorless or transparent. The fungus can be identified by its characteristic symptoms on infected plants, which include sunken, girdling cankers on the branches and trunk.

Distribution and Habitat

Leucostoma auerswaldii is found worldwide, particularly in regions where stone fruit trees are cultivated. It thrives in temperate climates and is most active in the spring and fall when temperatures are moderate and humidity is high.

Pathogenicity

As a plant pathogen, Leucostoma auerswaldii causes a disease known as Leucostoma canker, which is a significant problem in commercial stone fruit production. The fungus enters the tree through wounds or natural openings and colonizes the wood, causing the formation of cankers. These cankers can girdle branches or even the entire trunk, leading to wilting, dieback, and in severe cases, tree death.

Management

Management of Leucostoma auerswaldii involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical control. Cultural practices include proper pruning to remove infected branches, avoiding injury to the tree, and maintaining overall tree health. Chemical control involves the use of fungicides, which are typically applied in the spring and fall when the fungus is most active.

See Also

• List of peach and nectarine diseases
• List of plum and prune diseases
• List of cherry diseases