Neofabraea perennans

Neofabraea perennans is a species of fungus in the family Dermateaceae. It is a plant pathogen that primarily affects apple trees, causing a disease known as bull's eye rot.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1915 by American mycologist William Alphonso Murrill. The genus Neofabraea was established by Erwin Frink Smith and John Baxter Ellis in 1891. The species name perennans refers to the perennial nature of the fungus, which can survive on the host plant for several years.

Description

Neofabraea perennans is characterized by its small, dark, and round fruiting bodies known as ascocarps. These structures produce ascospores, the primary means of dispersal for the fungus. The ascospores are released during periods of wet weather and are spread by wind and rain to potential host plants.

Pathology

Neofabraea perennans is the causal agent of bull's eye rot, a common disease of apple trees. The fungus infects the fruit through wounds or natural openings, causing a decay that starts as small, brown lesions and develops into larger, circular spots with a characteristic "bull's eye" pattern. The disease can result in significant yield losses for apple growers.

Management

Control of Neofabraea perennans and bull's eye rot typically involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical treatments. Cultural practices include pruning to improve air circulation and reduce humidity, and removing infected fruit to prevent the spread of the fungus. Chemical treatments may include the use of fungicides.

See also

• List of apple diseases
• Plant pathology