Cercospora

fungus form-genus

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Last updated

July 15, 2026

Quick Summary

Cercospora is a form genus of imperfect fungi. These fungi are leaf parasites and are characterized by long, slender, multiseptate spores.1

Cercospora fungi cause a plant disease known as cercosporiosis. This disease manifests as various leaf spots, such as sigatoka, beet leaf spot, and early blight of celery.23

A related genus, Cercosporella, is also a type of imperfect fungus but is distinguished by the absence of pigment in its conidiophores and spores.4

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sugar beet
Diseases and pests
…near the soil surface, and Cercospora leaf spot, a fungus infection in which the leaves become greenish yellow and root weight and sugar content are reduced, are most serious and can cause great damage if not controlled. Precautions must also be taken against damage by worms, beetles, and nematodes.
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…near the soil surface, and Cercospora leaf spot, a fungus infection in which the leaves become greenish yellow and root weight and sugar content are reduced, are most serious and can cause great damage if not controlled. Precautions must also be taken against damage by worms, beetles, and nematodes.
Read More

photochemical reaction
Photosensitization
A remarkably effective plant-pathogenic fungus, Cercospora, produces a pigment that efficiently sensitizes singlet molecular oxygen. Peroxidation of the plant cell membrane causes the cells of the infected plants to burst, giving nutrients to the fungus.
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A remarkably effective plant-pathogenic fungus, Cercospora, produces a pigment that efficiently sensitizes singlet molecular oxygen. Peroxidation of the plant cell membrane causes the cells of the infected plants to burst, giving nutrients to the fungus.
Read More