Rhizoctinia is a genus of soilborne fungi belonging to the family Ceratobasidiaceae. It is primarily known for includingsome of the most destructive plant pathogens, causing a variety of diseases in a wide range of crops, including cereals, vegetables, and ornamental plants.
These fungi are parasitic and have a string-like structure known as mycelium. Rhizoctinia mycelium often forms a dense, web-like network in the soil, extending outwards from infected plant tissues. This network, called a rhizomorph, enables the pathogen to spread rapidly, infecting nearby healthy plants and leading to the development of disease.
The diseases caused by Rhizoctinia are commonly referred to as "damping-off," "root rot," or "bare patch." Symptoms may vary depending on the host plant, but they generally include stunted growth, root decay, discoloration, and wilting. In severe cases, plant death may occur.
The control of Rhizoctinia diseases usually involves practicing good agricultural management techniques, such as crop rotation, proper planting density, and avoiding excessive moisture in the soil. Additionally, the use of seed treatments and fungicides can also be effective in preventing or reducing the impact of these diseases.
Overall, Rhizoctinia species pose significant challenges to agricultural productivity and require ongoing research and management strategies to mitigate their impact on crops worldwide.
