What is Curvularia?
Curvularia is a fungal genus primarily native to tropical and subtropical regions, although some species live in temperate zones. These fungi are primarily of interest in their role as plant pathogens, as they can cause severe damage to a variety of crops. In some cases, Curvularia can also cause disease in humans or animals. These fungi particularly enjoy cellulose as a substrate, and they can be found growing on wood, decaying plant matter, and living plants. Some colonize grasses and cereal grains, and others can live in the soil. When a Curvularia colony develops, the fungi mass together to create a mat with a slightly woolly texture. These fungi are gray to black in color, typically darkening with age, and the underside of the colony will be a more pale white to gray. In the tropics and subtropics, Curvularia are endemic to soil and crops, and they can be difficult to eradicate. Some antifungal applications appear to be effective, but because the fungi can lie dormant in the soil,
Curvularia is a saprophytical root borne fungus denoted by the cellular structure when seen under a microscope. It is important to know the difference between this and say, Fusarium spp of fungus. Curvularia is a necrotizing fungus, meaning the plant basically consumes itself from with-in. The pathogen/disease cycle makes id’ing very important, very quickly, as the roots are generally effected first, then foliar mass. Another interesting note: Curvularia exists in several different spp through out the varieties of both C3 and C4 turfgrasses. This is not just a disease associated with C3 only.
