Microdochium nivale

Microdochium nivale is a fungal pathogen that is responsible for several diseases in cereal crops and grasses. It is commonly known as snow mold due to its ability to thrive in cold, wet conditions, particularly under snow cover.

Taxonomy

The fungus was first described in 1912 by the mycologist Hans Wilhelm Wollenweber. It belongs to the Microdochium genus within the Nectriaceae family. The species name nivale is derived from the Latin word for snow, reflecting its preference for snowy environments.

Description

Microdochium nivale is a filamentous fungus, characterized by its white to pinkish mycelium. It produces conidia that are hyaline, smooth, and cylindrical in shape. The conidia are typically dispersed by wind or water, allowing the fungus to spread to new hosts.

Pathogenicity

Microdochium nivale is a pathogen of several cereal crops, including wheat, barley, and rye. It causes diseases such as Fusarium head blight, pink snow mold, and Microdochium patch. These diseases can result in significant yield losses, particularly in regions with cold, wet winters.

Management

Management of Microdochium nivale involves a combination of cultural practices, crop rotation, and the use of fungicides. Removing crop residues can help to reduce the amount of inoculum in the field. Crop rotation with non-host crops can also help to break the disease cycle. Fungicides can be used to control the disease, but they should be used judiciously to avoid the development of fungicide resistance.

See also

• Fusarium
• Plant pathology
• Mycology