Chaetomium elatum

Chaetomium elatum is a species of microfungi in the class Sordariomycetes, widely recognized in agricultural pathology as a causative agent of seed decay and mold infestation. While primarily a saprophyte that decomposes organic matter, it frequently impacts crop viability by attacking seeds during germination and storage.

The fungus affects a broad variety of agricultural plants, including cereal crops, legumes, and various vegetable species. It colonizes the surface of seeds and young seedlings, utilizing the cellulose structures as a primary nutrient source, which directly undermines the physiological vigor of the emerging crop.

Visible symptoms include the development of a dark, olive-brown to blackish layer of mycelium on the surface of seeds or decaying plant tissue. Infected seedlings typically exhibit stunted growth, necrotic discoloration of the radicles, and pre-emergence or post-emergence damping-off, leading to significant gaps in the field.

The environmental factors favoring the development of Chaetomium elatum include high humidity levels, often exceeding 75%, and poorly ventilated storage conditions. The fungus thrives at moderate to warm temperatures, typically peaking between 20 and 28 degrees Celsius, making it a critical threat during wet spring conditions.

The economic damage caused by this pathogen includes reduced germination rates, poor stand establishment, and compromised grain quality.

• Apply systemic seed treatments or fungicides prior to planting.
• Maintain low moisture levels and proper aeration in storage facilities.
• Practice effective sanitation by removing infested plant debris from fields.
• Utilize high-quality, certified, and healthy planting material.