Thielaviopsis basicola

Thielaviopsis basicola is a fungal pathogen that causes the disease known as Black root rot. This pathogen is a significant problem in many agricultural and horticultural industries, affecting a wide range of crops and ornamental plants.

Taxonomy

Thielaviopsis basicola belongs to the Ascomycota division of fungi, specifically within the Microascales order. It was first described by the mycologist Heinrich Anton de Bary in 1884. The genus Thielaviopsis is named after the German botanist Hans Thielaviopsis.

Morphology

The hyphae of Thielaviopsis basicola are septate and hyaline. The conidia are dark brown, thick-walled, and have a distinctive shape, with a central constriction dividing them into two cells. The chlamydospores are also dark brown and are formed within the hyphae.

Pathogenicity

Thielaviopsis basicola is a soil-borne pathogen that primarily affects the roots of plants. It causes Black root rot, a disease characterized by the darkening and decay of the roots. This can lead to wilting, stunting, and eventually death of the plant. The pathogen can survive in the soil for many years as chlamydospores, which germinate in response to root exudates.

Host range

Thielaviopsis basicola has a wide host range, affecting many different types of plants. It is a significant problem in the production of cotton, tobacco, carrot, and sweet potato. It also affects many ornamental plants, including pansy, petunia, geranium, and cyclamen.

Management

Management of Thielaviopsis basicola involves a combination of cultural practices and chemical control. Cultural practices include crop rotation, use of resistant varieties, and sanitation measures to reduce the amount of inoculum in the soil. Chemical control options include the use of fungicides and soil fumigants.

See also

• List of cotton diseases
• List of tobacco diseases
• List of carrot diseases
• List of sweet potato diseases

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  Thielaviopsis basicola under microscope

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  Carrot affected by Thielaviopsis basicola

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  Diagram illustrating the impact of Thielaviopsis basicola on plant roots