Phyllachora graminis

Phyllachora graminis is a species of fungus in the family Phyllachoraceae. It is a plant pathogen that primarily affects grass species, causing a disease known as black point or black kernel disease. The fungus is found worldwide, but is particularly prevalent in regions with temperate climates.

Taxonomy

Phyllachora graminis was first described by the German mycologist Heinrich Friedrich Link in 1809. The genus name Phyllachora comes from the Greek words phyllon, meaning "leaf", and chora, meaning "spot", referring to the characteristic leaf spots caused by species in this genus. The species name graminis is Latin for "of grass", indicating the primary host of this fungus.

Description

Phyllachora graminis produces small, black, flask-shaped fruiting bodies known as perithecia. These structures are embedded in the host plant's tissue and contain numerous ascospores, which are the primary means of dispersal for the fungus. The ascospores are released when conditions are favourable, typically during periods of high humidity.

Pathogenicity

Phyllachora graminis is a necrotrophic pathogen, meaning it kills host tissue and then feeds on the dead material. The fungus enters the plant through the stomata and begins to produce hyphae, which spread throughout the plant tissue. This results in the formation of black spots on the leaves, stems, and kernels of the host plant. In severe infections, the disease can lead to significant yield loss in affected crops.

Management

Management of Phyllachora graminis primarily involves the use of fungicides and cultural practices such as crop rotation and the removal of infected plant material. Some grass species have been found to have natural resistance to the fungus, and breeding for resistance is a key strategy in the long-term management of the disease.

See also

• List of Phyllachora species
• Plant pathology