TAPHRINA PRUNI Meaning and
Definition
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Taphrina pruni is a microscopic fungus that belongs to the Taphrinaceae family. It is particularly associated with the fruiting trees of the Prunus genus, which include plum, cherry, peach, apricot, and almond trees. Taphrina pruni is commonly known as the plum pocket fungus due to its characteristic symptom: the formation of hollow, enlarged pockets within the infected fruit.
This fungus primarily affects the young fruit of Prunus trees, infecting them during their early development stages. The initial infection occurs through spores that are released from the fungal structures known as asci. These spores find their way into the flowers or small developing fruit, infecting the tissues within. As a result, the infected fruit does not develop fully and instead becomes distorted, enlarged, and hollow.
The life cycle of Taphrina pruni involves the formation of various spore types, including ascospores and conidia, which are responsible for the dispersal and infection of new host plants. The pathogen primarily survives on infected plant tissues, such as those left on the tree or those that have fallen to the ground.
The control and prevention of Taphrina pruni involve a combination of cultural practices, such as removing and destroying infected fruit and debris, pruning infected branches, and providing adequate air circulation to reduce humidity levels. Fungicides can also be used as a preventive measure before bud swell or as a curative treatment after infection occurs, although efficacy can vary.
Overall, Taphrina pruni poses a significant threat to Prunus fruit production, as it can cause extensive damage, leading to economic losses for growers.
Etymology of TAPHRINA PRUNI
The word "Taphrina pruni" is composed of two parts - "Taphrina" and "pruni", each with its own etymology.
1. Taphrina:
The term "Taphrina" is derived from the Greek word "taphros", which means "grave" or "tomb". The name was coined by a Swedish mycologist, Elias Magnus Fries, in the mid-19th century. He chose this name because the fungal pathogens in the genus Taphrina were initially discovered on the dried remains of plant tissues.
2. Pruni:
The word "pruni" is a Latin term that refers to the fruit of the Prunus genus, which includes various trees such as cherries, plums, peaches, and apricots.
