Dr. Noor Bedoni
Parastagonospora is a genus of fungal pathogens that primarily infect cereal crops such as wheat, barley, and oat. This group of fungi belongs to the family Stagonosporaceae and is known to cause leaf and stem diseases, resulting in significant yield losses. Parastagonospora infections are becoming increasingly common in several countries, posing a threat to food security and agricultural sustainability. The genus Parastagonospora includes several species, each with unique morphological and genetic characteristics. These include Parastagonospora nodorum, Parastagonospora avenae, Parastagonospora tanaceti, and Parastagonospora mixta. Parastagonospora nodorum is the most wellknown species and is responsible for Septoria nodorum blotch, a severe foliar disease affecting wheat crops worldwide. The other species are also known to cause significant economic losses in cereal production. Parastagonospora spp. produces a range of virulence factors, including enzymes and toxins, which contribute to their pathogenicity. These virulence factors help the fungus to penetrate plant tissues and evade host defences, leading to disease development. Parastagonospora spp. is also capable of producing mycotoxins, which pose a threat to human and animal health if contaminated grains are consumed. Parastagonospora spp. is primarily spread through windborne spores, which can travel long distances, leading to rapid disease spread. The pathogen can also persist in crop residues, further contributing to the disease's spread. Climate change and environmental factors also play a significant role in the emergence and spread of Parastagonospora infections.
KeywordsParastagonospora infections; Fungal pathogens; Stagonosporaceae; Climate change; stem diseases; Food security and agricultural
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