Alternaria is not a single organism but rather a broad genus of fungi, meaning there isn't one universal common name for the entire genus. Instead, common names are typically associated with specific Alternaria species and the particular diseases they cause on various host plants.
Common Names for Alternaria brassicae
One notable species within this genus is Alternaria brassicae. This fungus is a significant plant pathogen, primarily affecting plants in the Brassicaceae family (cabbage family). It is widely known for causing several distinct plant diseases, each with its own common name.
Here are the common names associated with Alternaria brassicae:
| Common Name | Associated Disease/Plant Symptom |
|---|---|
| Black spot of rape | Characterized by dark, circular lesions on leaves, stems, and pods of rapeseed plants. |
| Brown rot of cauliflower | Leads to brown, sunken lesions on cauliflower heads, often causing decay. |
| Dark leaf spot of cabbage | Results in dark, concentric spots on the leaves of cabbage plants, impacting yield and quality. |
These names highlight the specific symptoms and host plants affected by Alternaria brassicae. Understanding these distinct common names helps in identifying and managing the particular fungal disease caused by this pathogen in agricultural settings.
