Hormiscium

Systematically, this genus is often associated with the anamorphic stages of various ascomycetes. The fungus mycelium is characterized by dark, septate hyphae that form chains of conidia that easily dissociate.

The organism is adapted to survive in soil debris and on the surface of plant tissues. High biological plasticity allows it to withstand significant fluctuations in moisture and temperature.

Reproduction occurs asexually via conidia, which are dispersed by wind, raindrops, or insects. The life cycle is closely linked to the presence of plant residues where the fungus persists during the off-season.

The development of the pathogen is stimulated by dense planting and poor ventilation in agroecosystems. In conditions of high humidity, spores rapidly colonize the weakened tissues of the host plant.

The fungus affects a wide range of agricultural and ornamental crops. Most often, the leaf apparatus, fruits, and stems are damaged during the active growing season.

On cereal crops, this phytopathogen can provoke necrosis on the lower leaves, reducing the total photosynthetic surface area of the plant.

Fruit trees are susceptible to infection through micro-cracks in the bark, leading to the drying of individual branches and a decrease in harvest quality.

Vegetable crops grown in greenhouses are most vulnerable during periods of high air humidity, when the pathogen spreads rapidly across the leaves.

The damage manifests as a disruption of the host plant's metabolism, leading to premature leaf drop and a loss of total vegetative biomass.

Primary signs appear as small, dark or nearly black spots on the leaf surface, which gradually merge into larger necrotic areas.

Upon close inspection, a characteristic olive-black or dark coating consisting of fungal conidia can be found on the affected surface.

Infected tissues gradually lose turgor, turn yellow, and undergo necrosis. In severe cases, leaf curling and premature falling occur ahead of the physiological maturity period.

On stems, the pathogen can cause bark darkening and the formation of ulcers, which hinders normal sap flow within the plant.

• Appearance of dark spots on the leaf blade.
• Formation of a dense dark-colored fungal coating.
• Drying and premature falling of leaves.
• Formation of necrotic ulcers on shoots.
• Reduced overall crop yield and quality of production.

The primary control method is strict adherence to crop rotation practices. It is essential not to return susceptible crops to the same field more often than every 3–4 years.

A crucial agronomic practice is the timely collection and destruction of plant residues, as this is where the pathogen maintains its viability throughout the winter.

Control measures also include deep autumn plowing, which facilitates the rapid mineralization of infected plant residues within the soil.

In conditions with a high risk of disease development, broad-spectrum fungicides, including copper-based products or modern systemic triazoles, are applied.

Regular monitoring of crop health and maintaining optimal ventilation in greenhouse conditions help minimize the risk of mass infection.