Ojo De Gallo Mycena | Citricolor
Both the lesions and the fungus itself are bioluminescent, giving infected spots a faint glow in dark or shaded environments.
, commonly known as Ojo de gallo (Rooster's Eye) or American Leaf Spot , is a parasitic fungus responsible for one of the most destructive coffee diseases in Latin America. Unlike most Mycena species, which are harmless decomposers (saprobes), M. citricolor is a specialized plant pathogen. It primarily affects Coffea arabica , where it can cause yield losses ranging from 20% to 90% depending on environmental conditions. Key Characteristics & Biology
It thrives in cool, humid, and high-elevation environments, which unfortunately overlap with regions producing high-quality coffee. Ojo de gallo Mycena citricolor
Controlling "Ojo de gallo" often requires an integrated approach to manage both the pathogen and its environment:
The fungus uses oxalic acid to penetrate and macerate plant tissues, leading to severe defoliation and "shot-hole" patterns where the centers of old leaf spots fall out. Both the lesions and the fungus itself are
While most damaging to coffee, it can infect over 550 plant species across 80 families, including avocado, citrus, and various weeds, which often serve as "hidden" reservoirs of the pathogen. Environmental Impact & Distribution
It is found throughout Latin America, including Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil. citricolor is a specialized plant pathogen
The fungus spreads primarily through gemmae —vegetative propagules that are detached and dispersed by wind or splashing rain. Management and Control
