Nigrospora sphaerica

Nigrospora sphaerica is a species of fungus belonging to the family Botryosphaeriaceae. It is a filamentous fungus, characterized by its darkly pigmented spores and is commonly found in soil, air, and various plant materials.

Taxonomy

The genus Nigrospora was first described by Heinrich Friedrich Link in 1824. The species Nigrospora sphaerica was later described by Piero Saccardo in 1882. The genus name Nigrospora is derived from the Latin words 'niger' meaning black, and 'spora' meaning spore, referring to the darkly pigmented spores of these fungi.

Morphology

Nigrospora sphaerica is a filamentous fungus, growing as a network of hyphae. The hyphae are septate and hyaline. The spores of Nigrospora sphaerica are spherical, darkly pigmented, and are typically borne on simple or branched conidiophores.

Ecology

Nigrospora sphaerica is a saprophytic fungus, deriving its nutrients from decaying organic matter. It is commonly found in soil, air, and various plant materials. It has been isolated from a wide range of environments including tropical and temperate regions.

Pathogenicity

Nigrospora sphaerica is known to cause plant diseases such as leaf spot and fruit rot in a variety of crops. It can also cause post-harvest decay in fruits during storage. In humans, Nigrospora sphaerica is a rare cause of infection, but can cause a range of diseases from allergic reactions to invasive infections in immunocompromised individuals.

Control

Control of Nigrospora sphaerica in agricultural settings typically involves the use of fungicides and good agricultural practices to prevent the spread of the fungus. In human health, antifungal drugs are used to treat infections caused by Nigrospora sphaerica.

See also

• Botryosphaeriaceae
• Fungus
• Mycology