Doassansiosis

The color of the formations can vary from yellowish-green to brown or dark brown as the fungus spores mature. Inside the galls, dense clusters of teliospores form, which give the affected areas a dusty appearance when the membrane ruptures.

The appearance of the affected organ often resembles the deformation caused by other types of smut fungi, but differs in its specific localization on leaves and petioles.

With severe development of the disease, the affected leaves begin to turn yellow, dry out prematurely and die, which significantly reduces the photosynthetic capacity of the whole plant.

On certain plant species, such as water plantain, the infection can affect not only the leaves but also the flower stalks, leading to their distortion and flower sterility.

The pathogen of Doassansiosis is a microscopic fungus belonging to the genus Doassansia, which is part of the smut fungi group (order Doassansiales).

These are specialized obligate parasites that primarily affect aquatic and riparian plants, although they can be found on other herbaceous crops.

The pathogen's life cycle includes the formation of teliospores gathered in dense groups called sori, often surrounded by a layer of sterile cells.

Fungi of this genus are characterized by high host selectivity, making them narrow-range specialized pathogens.

The spread of infection in agroecosystems occurs mainly through spores carried by water, wind, or insects.

The development of Doassansiosis is most favored by conditions of high humidity, characteristic of the habitats of aquatic and near-water plants.

A temperature range from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius is optimal for active spore germination and subsequent infection of plant tissues.

Dense, poorly ventilated plantings create a favorable microclimate with stagnant air, which accelerates the spread of spores.

The presence of water droplets on the leaf surface is a critical factor necessary for the successful entry of the infectious agent into the host tissues.

Crop rotation and soil moisture management play a decisive role in the accumulation of infection pressure, as pathogen spores can remain viable in plant debris.

The damage caused by Doassansiosis lies primarily in the suppression of the overall growth and development of affected crops, leading to yield losses.

The destruction of leaf tissues leads to a decrease in nutrient accumulation, which is critical for root or grain crops.

Massive infection of crops can cause premature death of the aerial part of the plant, weakening the immunity of the entire population.

In ornamental plants, Doassansiosis significantly reduces market value and aesthetic appeal, making them unsuitable for use.

Economic losses are also associated with the costs of implementing protection measures and the need to remove affected plants from the field.

A primary preventive measure is strict adherence to agricultural practices, including quality soil tillage and plowing under of plant residues.

An important technique is timely weeding of invasive plants that can act as reservoirs of infection near crops.

To reduce the level of infection, it is recommended to use resistant varieties or hybrids, as well as to observe optimal sowing dates.

If the first signs of the disease are detected, chemical treatments with systemic or contact fungicides recommended for smut fungi control should be performed.

• Adherence to crop rotation.
• Removal and destruction of infected plant debris.
• Control of humidity levels in crops.
• Use of copper-based preparations to prevent sporulation.