Botryotrichum murorum

Botryotrichum murorum is a fungal species belonging to the hyphomycetes group, often found in soil and on decaying organic matter. While primarily known as a saprotroph, it frequently acts as an opportunistic plant pathogen, particularly affecting seeds and seedling tissues in environments with poor ventilation and high humidity.

The fungus impacts a wide range of agricultural commodities, including cereals, legumes, and various horticultural crops. It is particularly notorious for causing seed mold, which leads to reduced germination rates and weakened initial crop development, making it a significant concern for seed production facilities.

Symptoms of Botryotrichum murorum infection are characterized by the appearance of a dark grey to olive-green dusty coating on the affected parts of the plant or on the surface of stored seeds. This coating is composed of dense mycelium and conidiophores that release spores, facilitating rapid spread within a container or a field.

The development of the fungus is highly dependent on environmental conditions, specifically high humidity (above 80%) and moderate temperatures. In storage, poor aeration and condensation on seeds provide the perfect microclimate for the fungus to multiply rapidly, causing significant post-harvest losses and quality degradation.

Effective management requires a multi-pronged approach.

• Seed treatment with appropriate fungicides is essential to prevent early-stage infection.
• Ensuring adequate ventilation in warehouses is critical.
• Removing infected plant debris from fields reduces the primary inoculum for the next season.
• Maintaining optimal crop density helps prevent the microclimate conditions that favor fungal growth.