Occurrence and Morphospecies Study of Plant-Parasitic Algae Cephaleuros (Trentepohlia, Ulvophyceae) on Betel Vine (Piper betle) in Southern Thailand
Keywords:
Betel vine, morphology, subaerial algaeAbstract
Algal leaf spot caused by Cephaleuros virescens was observed on Piper betle in Southern Thailand for the first time. Infected leaves exhibited characteristic orange, velvety lesions on the upper surface. Morphological examination under light microscopy revealed typical taxonomic features, including pseudoparenchymatous thalli, sporangiophores, zoosporangia, and gametangia, confirming the identity of the alga. Species identification was based solely on morphology, given limited molecular data and challenges in culturing the alga. This report expands the known host range of C. virescens and highlights the importance of algal pathogens in tropical crop systems.
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