Pezicula malicorticus

Pezicula malicorticus is a species of fungus in the family Dermateaceae. It is a plant pathogen that primarily affects apple trees, causing a disease known as canker.

Taxonomy

The species was first described scientifically in 1976 by mycologists John Webster and Brian Sutton. The genus name Pezicula is derived from the Latin peziza, meaning "cup", referring to the cup-like shape of the fruiting bodies of some species in this genus. The species name malicorticus is derived from the Latin malus, meaning "apple", and cortex, meaning "bark", referring to the host and habitat of this fungus.

Description

Pezicula malicorticus forms small, brown to black, cushion-shaped fruiting bodies (known as ascocarps) on the bark of infected apple trees. The ascocarps release ascospores, which are the sexual spores of the fungus, into the air. These spores can infect other apple trees when they land on a suitable site, such as a wound in the bark.

Distribution and habitat

Pezicula malicorticus is found in apple-growing regions around the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. It is most commonly found on apple trees, but can also infect other fruit trees, such as pear and quince.

Pathogenicity

Pezicula malicorticus causes a disease known as canker in apple trees. The fungus infects the tree through wounds in the bark, and causes the formation of sunken, dead areas of bark known as cankers. These cankers can girdle the tree, causing branches or even the entire tree to die.

Management

Management of Pezicula malicorticus involves regular inspection of apple trees for signs of canker, and removal of infected branches. Fungicides can also be used to control the disease.

See also

• List of apple diseases
• List of Dermateaceae genera