Physalospora rhodina

Physalospora rhodina is a species of fungus in the family Botryosphaeriaceae. It is a type of plant pathogen that affects a variety of plant species, causing diseases such as canker and dieback.

Taxonomy

The genus Physalospora was first described by Piero Berlese in 1890. The species rhodina was later added by Paul Christoph Hennings, a German mycologist, in 1908. The species name rhodina is derived from the Greek word 'rhodon', meaning rose, referring to the pinkish color of the spore masses.

Description

Physalospora rhodina is characterized by its conidia, which are single-celled, oval to elongated in shape, and have a smooth, colorless wall. The conidiophores are simple or branched, arising from the stroma, and bear conidia at their tips. The ascospores are hyaline, two-celled, and have a gelatinous sheath.

Pathogenicity

Physalospora rhodina is a necrotrophic pathogen, meaning it kills host tissue and then feeds on the dead cells. It causes diseases such as canker and dieback in a variety of plant species. The fungus enters the plant through wounds or natural openings and then colonizes the plant tissue, causing necrosis.

Management

Management of Physalospora rhodina involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical control. Cultural practices include regular pruning to remove infected branches and improve air circulation, and avoiding wounding the plants. Chemical control involves the use of fungicides to prevent the spread of the fungus.

See also

• List of Physalospora species
• Botryosphaeriaceae
• Plant pathology