Paramyrothecium roridum (Tode) L. Lombard & Crous

(syn. Myrothecium roridum Tode)

Myrothecium lesions 

General

• Optional parasitic telluric fungus, widely distributed throughout the world in temperate and tropical regions,
• Extremely polyphagous, attacking many hosts, more than 263 have been identified. On vegetables described on various Cucurbitaceae (cucumber, melon, watermelon, squash, West Indian cucumber - Cucumis anguria-, etc.), pepper, tomato, eggplant, lettuce, bean, baselle, etc.

• Appears in particular on the fruits of certain vegetables during storage (tomato, cucumber, etc.).
• Known species on vegetables: Myrothecium roridum Tode, Myrothecium verrucaria (Alb. & Schwein.) Ditmar 1813.
• Observed in the open field as well as under shelter.

• Susceptible botanical family(s)

Biology

• Preservation : remains in the soil in a saprophytic state on organic matter. Optional parasitic fungus of many plants, whether cultivated or not, which can ensure its multiplication and contribute to its conservation. Reported on: red clover, coffee, cotton, groundnut, soybean, rapeseed, sunflower, rice, various ornamental plants (sainpaulia, gardenia, dieffenbachia, ficus, delphinium, lantana, petunia, anthurium, gerbera, etc.), and on vegetables previously reported.
• Infection :
• Sporulation : Fruits on injured tissue and produces numerous spores clustered in masses as grayish to black sporodochia (Figures 1 to 4).
• Dissemination : its conidia (figures (5 to 6) are probably disseminated by splashing water, the wind, even certain insects. Can be preserved and disseminated via seeds, in particular on watermelon, calabash, loofah, pumpkin, etc.
• Favorable conditions : appreciates humid and warm climatic conditions, and temperatures around 28°C.

Protection

• Drain the soil well in the plot to avoid the formation of puddles.
• Orient the planting rows in the direction of the prevailing winds so that the plant cover is well ventilated.
• Use healthy seeds or disinfect them.
• Avoid irrigation by sprinkling,  otherwise carry it out at the beginning or during the day in order to allow the plants to dry up quickly.
• During and at the end of cultivation, eliminate diseased plants and fruits , as well as plant debris.
• Harvested fruit should be refrigerated promptly.
• treatments Fungicide are recommended at the time of flowering.