Global InformationSphaceloma perseae information
| Sphaceloma perseae | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Dothideomycetes |
| Order: | Myriangiales |
| Family: | Elsinoaceae |
| Genus: | Sphaceloma |
| Species: | S. perseae
|
| Binomial name | |
| Sphaceloma perseae Jenkins (1934)
| |
Sphaceloma perseae is a plant-pathogenic fungus in the division Ascomycota.[1] It infects the avocado plant (Persea americana), a tree native to Central America and Mexico. Currently there are three cultivars of avocados in large-scale agricultural production: Guatemalan, Mexican, and West Indian. The pathogen is currently limited to the P. Americana species but is able to infect all three cultivars. The resulting disease is known as avocado scab for the symptoms which are present on the fruit of the avocado tree. It is believed that the disease developed in Florida in the early twentieth century and is related to citrus scab, Elsinoe fawcetti.[2] Since then, S.perseae has spread to many regions worldwide that support cultivation of the avocado tree. This pathogen threatens the global avocado market, including both importers and exporters of the crop. Countries which import avocados, including the United States, have experienced a rising demand over the past decade which is projected to continue for years to come. An understanding of avocado scab characteristics and feasible prevention methods is essential to maintenance of cultures and economies influenced by the avocado fruit.
- ^ Jenkins, Anna (1939). "Historical Records of Avocado Scab in Florida and Cuba" (PDF). California Avocado Association. Retrieved 11 November 2015.
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