Pseudocercospora

Pseudocercospora is a genus of fungi in the family Mycosphaerellaceae. It is a type of plant pathogen that causes diseases in a variety of plants, including important agricultural crops. The genus was first described by the mycologist Friedrich von Höhnel in 1919.

Description

The genus Pseudocercospora is characterized by its production of conidia, which are asexual spores that are not enclosed in a sac. The conidia are typically hyaline (transparent), and are produced in structures called conidiophores. The conidiophores of Pseudocercospora species are typically simple, meaning they are unbranched and not divided into segments.

Pathogenicity

Pseudocercospora species are known to cause a variety of plant diseases, including leaf spot diseases. These diseases are characterized by the appearance of spots or lesions on the leaves of infected plants. The spots are typically circular or irregular in shape, and may be surrounded by a yellow halo. In severe cases, the spots may coalesce, leading to extensive leaf damage and potentially significant yield losses.

Management

Management of Pseudocercospora diseases typically involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical control. Cultural practices may include crop rotation, the use of resistant varieties, and the removal of infected plant material. Chemical control typically involves the use of fungicides, which can be applied to the plants to prevent infection or to control the disease once it has occurred.

Notable species

Some notable species in the Pseudocercospora genus include:

• Pseudocercospora angolensis - causes leaf spot disease in coffee plants
• Pseudocercospora fijiensis - causes black leaf streak disease in bananas
• Pseudocercospora griseola - causes angular leaf spot disease in beans

See also

• List of Pseudocercospora species
• Mycosphaerellaceae
• Plant pathology