Pestalotiopsis theae

Pestalotiopsis theae is a species of fungus in the family Amphisphaeriaceae. It is a plant pathogen that primarily affects tea plants, causing a disease known as grey blight.

Taxonomy

The species was first described in 1917 by mycologist Hans Sydow. The genus Pestalotiopsis was established by Robert Hartig in 1873, and it includes over 200 species. The species name theae refers to its primary host, the tea plant.

Description

Pestalotiopsis theae is a filamentous fungus, characterized by its dark, septate hyphae and conidia. The conidia are multi-septate and have a distinctive five-celled structure, with two pigmented median cells, two hyaline basal cells, and one apical cell with a sheath and three to four appendages.

Pathology

Pestalotiopsis theae is a plant pathogen, causing a disease known as grey blight in tea plants. The fungus infects the leaves, causing them to turn grey and eventually die. The disease can significantly reduce the yield and quality of the tea crop.

Management

Management of Pestalotiopsis theae involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical control. Cultural practices include regular pruning and removal of infected leaves to reduce the source of inoculum. Chemical control involves the use of fungicides, such as copper-based compounds and systemic fungicides.

See also

• List of tea diseases
• Pestalotiopsis microspora
• Pestalotiopsis disseminata

References

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