Rosellinia necatrix

Rosellinia necatrix is a plant pathogenic fungus that causes white root rot disease in a wide range of host plants. It is a member of the Xylariaceae family and is known for its destructive impact on agricultural crops, particularly in temperate regions.

Taxonomy

The fungus was first described by Pier Andrea Saccardo, an Italian mycologist, in 1884. It belongs to the genus Rosellinia, which comprises over 100 species of fungi. Rosellinia necatrix is the type species of this genus.

Description

Rosellinia necatrix is characterized by its dark, almost black, fruiting bodies that are typically 1-3 cm in size. The spores are elliptical and hyaline, and the mycelium is white and cottony in appearance. The fungus is known to produce perithecia, which are flask-shaped structures that contain the asci and ascospores.

Pathogenicity

Rosellinia necatrix is a soil-borne pathogen that primarily affects the roots of plants, causing a disease known as white root rot. The fungus infects the plant through the root system, causing the roots to turn a creamy white color and eventually leading to the death of the plant. The disease is particularly destructive in fruit trees such as apple, pear, and peach, as well as in grapevines and strawberries.

Management

Control of Rosellinia necatrix is challenging due to its soil-borne nature and wide host range. Management strategies include the use of resistant cultivars, soil fumigation, and biological control agents such as Trichoderma species. However, these methods are not always effective, and research is ongoing to develop more efficient control measures.

See also

• List of Rosellinia species
• Plant pathology
• Soil-borne diseases