cercospora
Definition
Noun: 1. A genus of imperfect fungi: Cercospora is a form genus of filamentous fungi (specifically, hyphomycetes) within the phylum Ascomycota. These fungi are classified as "imperfect" because their sexual reproductive stage (teleomorph) is either unknown or not observed in classification. They are characterized by producing long, slender, multi-celled (septate) conidia (asexual spores) on distinctive conidiophores. 2. Plant pathogens: Fungi of this genus are primarily known as parasitic pathogens of plant leaves, causing a variety of leaf spot diseases. They infect a wide range of host plants, including important agricultural crops.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The leaf spots were confirmed to be caused by a species of Cercospora.
- Cercospora is one of the largest genera of plant-pathogenic fungi.
- Managing Cercospora leaf spot requires an integrated pest management approach.
Advanced Usage
- In Plant Pathology: The term is frequently used in the context of specific diseases named after the causal agent and the host plant, such as "Cercospora leaf spot of beet" or "Cercospora blight of carrots." This usage highlights its role as a destructive pathogen.
- In Taxonomic Context: Mycologists use to refer to a large and complex group where species identification often relies on microscopic examination of spore morphology and the host plant.
Variants and Related Words
- Cercosporoid (adj): Resembling or pertaining to fungi of the genus or its relatives. (e.g., "a cercosporoid fungus").
- Cercosporin (noun): A toxic, light-activated pigment produced by many species, which is a key factor in its pathogenicity and the development of disease symptoms.
Synonyms
- Leaf spot fungus (descriptive synonym, not taxonomic)
- Hyphomycete (broader taxonomic group to which it belongs)
Related Phrases
- Cercospora leaf spot: The common name for the disease caused by fungi in this genus.
- Cercospora blight: Another term for a disease caused by this fungus, often implying more severe or widespread damage.
Noun
-
form genus of imperfect fungi that are leaf parasites with long slender spores
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