Septobasidium pilosum

Septobasidium pilosum is a species of fungus in the family Septobasidiaceae. It is a plant pathogen that primarily affects pine trees, causing a disease known as pine rust.

Description

The Septobasidium pilosum fungus is characterized by its unique fruiting body, which is typically covered in a layer of fine, hair-like structures. These structures give the fungus its name, as "pilosum" is derived from the Latin word for "hairy". The fruiting bodies are typically a reddish-brown color and can reach up to several centimeters in diameter.

Life Cycle

Like all members of the Septobasidiaceae family, Septobasidium pilosum has a complex life cycle that involves both asexual and sexual reproduction. The fungus produces spores that are dispersed by the wind and can infect new host trees. Once a tree is infected, the fungus grows and spreads throughout the tree's bark, eventually producing new fruiting bodies.

Pathogenicity

Septobasidium pilosum is a significant pathogen of pine trees. The fungus infects the tree's bark and can cause significant damage, including the formation of cankers and the death of branches. In severe cases, an infection can lead to the death of the entire tree. The disease caused by this fungus is known as pine rust.

Control

Control of Septobasidium pilosum typically involves the use of fungicides and the removal of infected trees to prevent the spread of the fungus. In some cases, resistant varieties of pine trees may be planted to reduce the impact of the disease.

See Also

• Septobasidium
• Pine rust
• Plant Pathology