Oidiopsis sicula

Oidiopsis sicula is a species of fungus in the family Erysiphaceae. It is a plant pathogen that affects a variety of crops, including grapevines, tomatoes, and cucumbers.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1923 by Italian mycologist Pier Andrea Saccardo. The genus Oidiopsis is characterized by its production of conidia on short conidiophores, and O. sicula is one of several species within this genus.

Description

Oidiopsis sicula is a powdery mildew fungus, so named for the white, powdery appearance of the fungal growth on the surface of infected plants. The fungus produces hyphae that grow on the surface of the plant, and these hyphae give rise to conidiophores that produce conidia. The conidia are then dispersed by wind to new host plants.

Pathogenicity

Oidiopsis sicula is a pathogen of several important agricultural crops. It causes powdery mildew disease in grapevines, tomatoes, and cucumbers, among other plants. The disease can result in significant yield losses if not properly managed.

Management

Management of Oidiopsis sicula involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical control. Cultural practices include proper spacing of plants to promote air circulation and reduce humidity, and removal of infected plant material. Chemical control typically involves the use of fungicides.

See also

• List of grape diseases
• List of tomato diseases
• List of cucumber diseases