| Bipolaris cynodontis, formerly
known as Helminthosporium cynodontis, is the fungus responsible
for the disease known as Helminthosporium leaf spot or
Bermuda grass leaf blotch. The fungus mostly affects Bermuda
grass, a perennial grass which is mostly grown for hay
and pasture. It compromises the quality and yield of Bermuda
grass, as the presence of the fungus results olive brown
lesions on the dry leaves. Bipolaris cynodontis is commonly
found in the South because Bermuda grass is mostly grown
in the Southern United States.
Bipolaris cynodontis is mostly found in plants, but
the presence of this kind of fungi is not limited field
crops and other landscapes. This fungi can also be present
in the home. Airborne spores can be dispersed by atmospheric
pressure and increased with fog, rainfall and damp conditions.
The threat to humans remain unclear, though it is established
that this yeast can affect the eyes and sinus.
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