Pseudocercospora fuligena

Pseudocercospora fuligena is a species of fungus in the family Mycosphaerellaceae. It is a plant pathogen that primarily affects tomato plants, causing a disease known as black leaf mold.

Description

The Pseudocercospora fuligena fungus is characterized by its dark, sooty spores, which give it its common name, "black leaf mold". The spores are typically spread by wind or water splash, and can survive in plant debris or on the surface of the plant.

Symptoms and Impact

Infected plants typically exhibit symptoms such as leaf spots, leaf blight, and premature leaf drop. The disease can cause significant yield loss in tomato crops, particularly in warm, humid conditions where the fungus thrives.

Management

Management of Pseudocercospora fuligena involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical control. Cultural practices include crop rotation, sanitation, and the use of resistant varieties. Chemical control typically involves the use of fungicides.

See Also

• List of tomato diseases
• Pseudocercospora
• Mycosphaerellaceae