Cescosporidium punctum: A threatening fungal pathogen in Burdur fennel production areas

Fennel (foeniculum vulgare) is not only a valuable spice plant of mediterranean and europe but it has used for aroma and medicinal purposes in foods and industries respectively. fennel production is common in burdur province and its districts. however, last year and this year, fennel production areas were infected with a fungal disease. fennel producers have brought samples to our laboratory. for this reason, studies have been conducted to diagnose the disease causing fungus, koch postulates were conducted and appropriate management methods for the disease were recommended. microscopic studies have revealed that a fungal pathogen, cercosporidium punctum is the causal agent of the disease on fennel plants. the symptoms appear as blight on plant tissues. the fungal spores are able to cause epidemics under suitable high temperature and humidity conditions. the cercosporidium blight disease should be controlled by using disease free seeds, disease-resistant varieties and appropriate cultural management methods. the development of the disease should be suppressed with cultural practices.