Pseudocercospora purpurea

Pseudocercospora purpurea is a species of fungus in the family Mycosphaerellaceae. It is a plant pathogen that primarily affects the cocoa plant, causing a disease known as Black Pod.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1923 by mycologist C.G. Hansford. It belongs to the genus Pseudocercospora, which comprises over 3,000 species of fungi. The species name purpurea refers to the purple color of the spores.

Description

Pseudocercospora purpurea is characterized by its purple spores, which are produced in structures called conidiophores. The spores are spread by wind and rain, and can survive in the soil for several years.

Pathogenicity

Pseudocercospora purpurea is a plant pathogen, causing a disease known as Black Pod in cocoa plants. The disease is characterized by the formation of dark, sunken lesions on the pods, which can lead to significant yield losses. The fungus can infect all stages of pod development, and is particularly damaging in regions with high rainfall and humidity.

Management

Management of Pseudocercospora purpurea involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical control. Cultural practices include the removal and destruction of infected pods, and the maintenance of optimal plant spacing to reduce humidity. Chemical control involves the application of fungicides, although the fungus has shown resistance to some commonly used products.

See also

• List of Pseudocercospora species
• Cocoa production in Ghana