Cercospora

/ˌsɜːrkəˈspɔːrə/ noun

Definition

A genus of fungi that causes leaf spots and diseases on many crops and ornamental plants worldwide.

Etymology

From Greek 'kerkos' (tail) and 'spora' (seed/spore), named for the tail-like extensions on some of its spores. The genus was formally described in the 19th century as microscopy improved.

Kelly Says

Cercospora is one of agriculture's biggest invisible enemies—it's so common that any brown spots you see on leaves in a garden are probably its work, yet most people have never heard the name!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.