Macrophoma theicola

Macrophoma theicola is a fungal species belonging to the Botryosphaeriaceae family. It is known for causing a disease in tea plants, specifically the Camellia sinensis species, which is commonly referred to as "tea fungus disease" or "black rot of tea".

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1917 by mycologist Hansford, C.G.. The genus name Macrophoma is derived from the Greek words macros meaning large and phoma meaning appearance, referring to the large size of the fruiting bodies of these fungi. The species epithet theicola is derived from the Latin words thea meaning tea and cola meaning dweller, indicating its association with tea plants.

Description

Macrophoma theicola is characterized by its black, globose ascocarps which are typically 1-2 mm in diameter. The ascospores are hyaline, unicellular, and elliptical in shape. The fungus is known to produce mycotoxins, which contribute to the pathogenicity of the species.

Distribution and habitat

Macrophoma theicola is widely distributed in tea-growing regions around the world, including China, India, Sri Lanka, and Japan. It thrives in warm, humid conditions, which are typical of these regions.

Pathogenicity

Macrophoma theicola is a pathogen of tea plants, causing a disease known as "tea fungus disease" or "black rot of tea". The fungus infects the leaves, stems, and buds of the plant, causing black, sunken lesions. If left untreated, the disease can lead to significant yield losses.

Management

Management of Macrophoma theicola involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical control. Cultural practices include the removal and destruction of infected plant material, and the maintenance of optimal growing conditions to reduce the susceptibility of the plants to infection. Chemical control involves the use of fungicides to prevent the spread of the fungus.

See also

• List of tea diseases
• Fungal plant pathogens and diseases