Thousands of species of this fungus cause various diseases. For example, Dutch Elm disease comes from Ophiostoma, Chestnut Blight by Cryphonectria, stem and leaf Blights by Diaporte, Ergot of Rye by Claviceps, and many others. Sordariomycetes are found in the water and soil as well. Many of the species are also involved in the decomposition process. Their most prominent characteristic are fruiting bodies of the fungal phylum Ascomycota. Sordariomycetes are generalized by sexual type of reproduction and adaptability.
Sordariomycetes In Plants
Signs of damage
- Reddish brown patches on the bark. This happens when the tree suffers from chestnut blight. These patches will then transform into swollen cankers. With time this disease kills the infected tree.
- Honeydew. The appearance of this sticky secretion is a tell-tale sign that your ray has ergot.
- Brown spots with yellowish rings. The main symptom is that your plant has leaf blights; these spots become bigger and combine. Such “a union” of spots makes the disease even more visible.
- Curling of leaves and branches. This is especially noticed in Dutch Elm disease. The worst part is that the affected tree, if untreated, eventually dies.
How to prevent
When it comes to the Dutch Elm disease, the best thing you can do to avoid this dangerous disease is to prune your tree regularly. However, don’t do this in warmer periods like in the middle of spring, summer, and early fall because the smell of cut branches can attract elm bark beetles that are spreading the infection. Pruning, in general, is very helpful for Sordariomycetes-related diseases because it contributes to better air circulation, which is a key to success if you want to avoid this disease. We can also recommend you avoid overhead waterings and provide your plant with enough space.
Heal
For leaf blight, you can use fixed copper or streptomycin during a dumpy period. We want to recommend fungicides; they are very effective for such diseases.
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