Scorias
Encyclopedia
Scorias is a genus
of fungi within the Capnodiaceae
family. The genus was first described by Elias Magnus Fries
in 1832. The fungus is known as sooty mould and is found growing on honeydew
on leaves of many varieties of trees and plants.
less effective. Plant growth can be reduced, leaves covered in mould may die prematurely and there may be a reduction in fruit yield.
Genus
In biology, a genus is a low-level taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms, which is an example of definition by genus and differentia...
of fungi within the Capnodiaceae
Capnodiaceae
The Capnodiaceae are a family of fungi in the Ascomycota, class Dothideomycetes. Species in the family have a wdiespread distribution, and are especially prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas, as well as temperate rainforests.- Genera :...
family. The genus was first described by Elias Magnus Fries
Elias Magnus Fries
-External links:*, Authors of fungal names, Mushroom, the Journal of Wild Mushrooming.*...
in 1832. The fungus is known as sooty mould and is found growing on honeydew
Honeydew (secretion)
Honeydew is a sugar-rich sticky liquid, secreted by aphids and some scale insects as they feed on plant sap. When their mouthpart penetrates the phloem, the sugary, high-pressure liquid is forced out of the gut's terminal opening. Honeydew is particularly common as a secretion in the Hemipteran...
on leaves of many varieties of trees and plants.
Characteristics
The mycelium of these fungi have parallel walls and form a thick spongy mass. The perithecium is round and long stalked and the spores have four cells.Effects of sooty mould
Sooty moulds grow in thin black layers on leaves on which aphids, witefly or other sap-sucking insects have deposited their honeydew. It does not grow parasitically but it harms plants indirectly and is also unsightly. The mould coats the leaves and this blocks out light and makes photosynthesisPhotosynthesis
Photosynthesis is a chemical process that converts carbon dioxide into organic compounds, especially sugars, using the energy from sunlight. Photosynthesis occurs in plants, algae, and many species of bacteria, but not in archaea. Photosynthetic organisms are called photoautotrophs, since they can...
less effective. Plant growth can be reduced, leaves covered in mould may die prematurely and there may be a reduction in fruit yield.