Selenophoma donacis

Selenophoma donacis is a species of fungus in the family Mycosphaerellaceae. It is a plant pathogen that primarily affects the sugarcane crop. The fungus was first described in the scientific literature in the late 19th century.

Taxonomy

The species was first described by mycologist Paul Christoph Hennings in 1903. The genus name Selenophoma is derived from the Greek words selene, meaning moon, and phoma, meaning appearance, referring to the moon-like shape of the spores. The species name donacis refers to the host plant, sugarcane, which is known as donax in Latin.

Description

Selenophoma donacis is characterized by its small, moon-shaped spores. The fungus produces conidia that are hyaline, smooth, and have a distinct crescent shape. The conidia are typically borne on short conidiophores that arise from the fungal mycelium.

Pathogenicity

Selenophoma donacis is a pathogen of sugarcane, causing a disease known as red rot. The fungus infects the plant through wounds or natural openings, and causes the tissues to rot and turn a reddish color. The disease can result in significant yield losses in sugarcane crops.

Management

Management of Selenophoma donacis involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical control. Cultural practices include the use of resistant varieties, proper irrigation and fertilization, and removal of infected plant material. Chemical control involves the use of fungicides.

See also

• List of sugarcane diseases
• Mycosphaerellaceae

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