Elsinoaceae

Elsinoaceae is a family of fungi belonging to the order Myriangiales. These fungi are primarily plant pathogens, known for causing a variety of diseases on a wide range of host plants. The most distinctive characteristic of Elsinoaceae is their mode of reproduction, which typically involves ascocarps (sexual fruiting bodies) that are often perithecial or apothecial in structure. These ascocarps are usually embedded within host tissues. Asexual reproduction is also common and occurs through conidia, which are produced in pycnidia or acervuli.

Many genera within Elsinoaceae are economically significant due to the diseases they cause. For instance, species of Elsinoë are responsible for diseases like scab, anthracnose, and leaf spot on crops such as grapes, citrus, and berries. The symptoms caused by these fungi often include lesions on leaves, stems, and fruits, which can lead to reduced yield and quality. Research into Elsinoaceae focuses on understanding their life cycles, pathogenicity, and developing control strategies for the diseases they induce. The classification and taxonomy of this family are subjects of ongoing study, with molecular data playing an increasingly important role in resolving phylogenetic relationships.