Physalospora glandicola

Physalospora glandicola is a species of fungus in the family Botryosphaeriaceae. It is a plant pathogen that primarily affects apple trees, causing a disease known as apple blotch.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1915 by American mycologist George Francis Atkinson. The genus name Physalospora comes from the Greek words physa, meaning bladder, and spora, meaning seed, referring to the characteristic shape of the spores. The species name glandicola refers to its habit of colonizing the glands of plants.

Description

Physalospora glandicola produces small, black, spherical fruiting bodies known as pycnidia. These structures contain numerous spores, which are released when the pycnidia rupture. The spores are typically oval in shape and have a smooth surface.

Distribution and habitat

Physalospora glandicola is found worldwide, but is particularly common in regions where apples are commercially grown, such as North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. It is typically found on the bark of apple trees, but can also infect other parts of the plant.

Pathogenicity

Physalospora glandicola is a significant pathogen of apple trees. It causes a disease known as apple blotch, which is characterized by the formation of dark, sunken lesions on the fruit. The disease can result in significant yield losses if not properly managed.

Management

Management of Physalospora glandicola typically involves the use of fungicides and cultural practices such as pruning and sanitation. Resistant apple varieties are also available.

See also

• List of apple diseases
• Plant pathology

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