Sclerotium rolfsii

Sclerotium rolfsii is a fungal pathogen that affects a wide range of plant species. It is a member of the Basidiomycota division and is known for causing a disease known as Southern blight.

Taxonomy

The fungus was first described by American mycologist Franklin Sumner Earle in 1913. It belongs to the Sclerotium genus, which is characterized by the production of hard, resistant structures called sclerotia.

Description

Sclerotium rolfsii is a saprophytic fungus, meaning it feeds on dead or decaying organic matter. It produces white, cottony mycelium that can cover the soil surface and infected plant parts. The fungus forms sclerotia, which are small, round, brown structures that can survive in the soil for several years.

Disease Cycle

The disease cycle of Sclerotium rolfsii begins when the sclerotia germinate in response to exudates from host plants. The fungus then grows towards the plant, infecting it through wounds or natural openings. Once inside the plant, the fungus produces more mycelium and sclerotia, which can spread to other plants or remain in the soil after the infected plant dies.

Management

Management of Sclerotium rolfsii involves a combination of cultural practices, chemical control, and biological control. Cultural practices include crop rotation, sanitation, and the use of resistant varieties. Chemical control involves the use of fungicides, while biological control can involve the use of antagonistic organisms.

Economic Importance

Sclerotium rolfsii is a significant pathogen in many agricultural systems. It can infect a wide range of crops, including peanut, soybean, tomato, and potato, causing significant yield losses.

See Also

• Plant Pathology
• Fungal Diseases of Plants
• Basidiomycota