Aulographaceae

Aulographaceae is a family of fungi belonging to the order Microthyriales. While many members are known to be saprotrophic, living on decaying organic matter, several species act as plant pathogens, colonizing the surfaces of leaves and needles of various trees and shrubs, often forming specialized structures directly on the host tissue.

The disease is caused by microscopic fungi that develop characteristic ascomata known as hysterothecia. These structures are typically elongated, linear, or branched, appearing as dark, crust-like formations on the host surface. This development is a key diagnostic feature for identifying the presence of the pathogen on infected plant materials.

Common hosts include evergreen trees, conifers, and various broad-leaved shrubs. Symptoms of infection typically manifest as distinct dark or black spots, streaks, or lines that appear on the leaf or needle surfaces. Over time, these infected areas can expand, leading to chlorosis, tissue necrosis, and eventual leaf fall, which stunts the plant's overall growth.

Development and spread of the fungus are heavily dependent on climatic factors. High relative humidity, mild temperatures, and poor air circulation within the plant canopy create an ideal environment for spore germination and colonization. Rain splash and wind are the primary vectors for transporting fungal spores to healthy tissue or neighboring plants.

The economic and aesthetic damage caused by Aulographaceae stems from premature defoliation, which weakens the plant and reduces its resilience to environmental stress. Management strategies include improving plant vitality through proper spacing, thinning crowded canopies to increase airflow, removing infected plant debris to reduce inoculum levels, and using targeted fungicide applications.

• Sanitary pruning of infected foliage.
• Improving site drainage and ventilation.
• Regular monitoring during humid seasons.
• Application of broad-spectrum fungicides.