Mycosphaerella gossypina

Pl._IV_Report_of_the_Commissioner_of_Agriculture_(U.S.)_1887

Mycosphaerella gossypina

Mycosphaerella gossypina is a fungal plant pathogen that primarily affects cotton plants. It is known to cause a disease called cotton leaf spot disease.

Description

Mycosphaerella gossypina is a member of the Mycosphaerella genus, which includes many plant pathogenic fungi. It is characterized by its small, dark fruiting bodies that develop on infected cotton leaves.

Symptoms

Infected cotton plants exhibit symptoms such as circular spots on the leaves, which may vary in size and color depending on the stage of the disease. As the disease progresses, the spots may coalesce, leading to extensive damage to the foliage.

Disease Cycle

Mycosphaerella gossypina spreads through spores that are produced in the fruiting bodies on infected leaves. These spores can be dispersed by wind or rain, leading to the infection of healthy plants in the vicinity.

Management

Management of Mycosphaerella gossypina involves cultural practices such as crop rotation, removal of infected plant debris, and the use of resistant cotton varieties. Fungicides may also be used to control the spread of the disease.