Septobasidium theae

Septobasidium theae is a species of fungus in the family Septobasidiaceae. It is a plant pathogen that primarily affects tea plants (Camellia sinensis), hence the species name theae.

Taxonomy

The genus Septobasidium was first described by Curtis Gates Lloyd in 1898. The species Septobasidium theae was later identified and named due to its specific interaction with tea plants.

Description

Septobasidium theae is a basidiomycete fungus, which means it reproduces sexually through the formation of specialized cells called basidiospores. The fungus forms a symbiotic relationship with scale insects, which it uses to infect the tea plants.

Distribution and habitat

Septobasidium theae is found in tea-growing regions around the world, including China, India, and Sri Lanka. It thrives in the warm, humid conditions that are ideal for tea cultivation.

Pathology

The fungus infects tea plants through the scale insects it lives in symbiosis with. The insects feed on the plant's sap, and the fungus uses this as an opportunity to enter the plant's tissues. Once inside, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including leaf yellowing, wilting, and in severe cases, death of the plant.

Management

Control of Septobasidium theae is primarily achieved through management of the scale insect populations. This can be done through the use of insecticides, or by introducing natural predators of the insects. In addition, maintaining optimal growing conditions for the tea plants can help to strengthen their natural defenses against the fungus.

See also

• List of tea diseases
• Septobasidium

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