Phaeosphaeria herpotrichoides

Phaeosphaeria herpotrichoides is a species of fungus in the family Phaeosphaeriaceae. It is a plant pathogen that primarily affects wheat crops, causing a disease known as eyespot.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1972 by mycologists Hans Otto Baral and Gerd Winter. It is classified within the Phaeosphaeriaceae family, which is part of the Pleosporales order of fungi.

Description

Phaeosphaeria herpotrichoides is a filamentous fungus, characterized by its thread-like hyphae. The fungus produces ascospores, which are the primary means of reproduction and spread of the disease.

Pathogenicity

Phaeosphaeria herpotrichoides is a necrotrophic pathogen, meaning it kills host tissue and then feeds on the dead material. The fungus primarily affects wheat crops, causing a disease known as eyespot. Symptoms of eyespot include the formation of elliptical lesions on the stem base, which can lead to lodging and significant yield loss.

Management

Management of Phaeosphaeria herpotrichoides involves a combination of cultural practices, crop rotation, and the use of fungicides. Resistant cultivars of wheat are also available, which can help to reduce the impact of the disease.

See also

• List of wheat diseases
• Phaeosphaeria nodorum
• Pleosporales