The fungal pathogen Corynespora cassiicola: A review and insights for target spot management on cotton and Soya bean

Abstract

Corynespora cassiicola (Berk. & Curt.) C.T. Wei is a fungus that occupies several diverse habits from a saprophyte to a parasite of plants, nematodes and humans. As a phytoparasitic fungus, C. cassiicola causes disease in a broad range of plant species worldwide. It causes target spot on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and Soya bean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) and is a disease of economic importance. Increasing demand for food and fibre to supply a growing world population requires increasing yields of crops on existing agricultural land while protecting the environment, following the principles of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies. The current review provides a summary of research conducted on C. cassiicola with a special focus on target spot of cotton and Soya bean. The biology and diversity among C. cassiicola isolates are presented. A more detailed discussion on two essential IPM strategies is provided emphasizing their importance in disease management; the risk of fungicide resistance development with the use of fungicides to control target spot, and the need for genetic control with resistant cultivars.