Ascochyta in the context of Ascochyta sorghi

⭐ Core Definition: Ascochyta

Ascochyta is a genus of ascomycete fungi, containing several species that are pathogenic to plants, particularly cereal crops. The taxonomy of this genus is still incomplete. The genus was first described in 1830 by Marie-Anne Libert, who regarded the spores as minute asci and the cell contents as spherical spores. Numerous revisions to the members of the genus and its description were made for the next several years. Species that are plant pathogenic on cereals include, A. hordei, A. graminea, A. sorghi, A. tritici. Symptoms are usually elliptical spots that are initially chlorotic and later become a necrotic brown. Management includes fungicide applications and sanitation of diseased plant tissue debris.

Some of these pathogens in the genus Ascochyta affect grass species, including grains.

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Ascochyta in the context of Antagonism (phytopathology)

Antagonism (in phytopathology) occurs when one organism inhibits or slows down the growth of a plant disease-causing organism, such as harmful bacteria or fungi. Most plants can host a variety of pathogens and are often infected by multiple species simultaneously. In ecology, species competing for the same resource can influence each other in two ways: antagonism, where one pathogen harms another, and synergism, where one pathogen supports the growth of another.

Antagonism is often employed as a natural method to protect plants from diseases. This can occur through mechanism such as competition for space and nutrients, the production of toxins or siderophores by one pathogen to suppress another, induction of host resistance, or other processes that inhibit the growth or reproduction of pathogens, as demonstrated in the Ascochyta blight complex on peas.

View the full Wikipedia page for Antagonism (phytopathology)

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