Spinellus

Spinellus is a genus of zygomycete fungi within the Mucorales order. While commonly known as saprotrophs that inhabit decaying organic matter, these fungi can act as opportunistic pathogens that compromise the quality of various plant products, especially those held in storage environments or high-humidity greenhouse conditions.

This pathogen primarily targets vegetable crops, harvested fruits, and cultivated mushrooms. It colonizes tissues that have been weakened by physical injury, physiological disorders, or previous infections. By rapidly breaking down organic matter, Spinellus causes significant economic damage to agricultural supply chains and reduces the marketability of the harvest.

The visual symptoms of a Spinellus infection include the rapid appearance of a white, woolly mycelial growth on the surface of the affected plant part. As the fungus matures and produces sporangia, the color shifts, and the texture becomes more granular. Infected plant parts lose structural integrity, turning into soft, water-soaked tissue with a distinct, often pungent, odor.

The development of Spinellus is strictly dependent on environmental factors, particularly humidity and temperature. Relative humidity levels exceeding 85% combined with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C create an ideal environment for explosive sporulation and colonization. Spores are highly mobile and spread easily through air currents, water splashes, and physical contact with contaminated tools or storage crates.

Effective management and prevention strategies are essential to avoid mass contamination. Key practices include maintaining optimal storage conditions with consistent ventilation to keep moisture low, implementing strict hygiene protocols for equipment and facilities, and immediate removal and destruction of any infected plant material. Chemical control measures should be applied preventively, strictly adhering to the labeling for specific crop applications.