Schizothyrium pomi

Schizothyrium pomi is a species of fungus that belongs to the Dothideomycetes class. It is known for causing a disease in apple trees known as flyspeck.

Taxonomy

The species Schizothyrium pomi is classified under the Schizothyrium genus, which is part of the Zygophialaceae family. This family belongs to the Capnodiales order, which is a part of the Dothideomycetes class. The Dothideomycetes class is one of the largest and most diverse classes in the Ascomycota phylum.

Description

Schizothyrium pomi is a fungus that is characterized by its ability to produce ascospores in a unique structure known as a pseudothecium. The pseudothecium is a flask-shaped structure that contains the asci, which are the spore-producing cells of the fungus. The ascospores of Schizothyrium pomi are hyaline and have a unique shape that is characteristic of the species.

Disease Cycle

Schizothyrium pomi is the causal agent of the flyspeck disease in apple trees. The fungus overwinters in the bark of the apple tree and in the spring, the ascospores are released and carried by the wind to the developing fruit. The fungus then colonizes the surface of the fruit, causing the characteristic flyspeck symptoms.

Management

Management of Schizothyrium pomi involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical control. Cultural practices include pruning and thinning of the trees to improve air circulation and reduce humidity. Chemical control involves the use of fungicides, which are applied at specific times during the growing season to prevent infection.

See Also

• Flyspeck
• Dothideomycetes
• Ascomycota