In our institute garden of Jyothy Institute of Technology (Bangalore), we found leaves infected with some disease. Leaves were severely infected and turned yellow and on the leaf surface there were dark black spots.

Fig: Infected leaves

Infected leaves were suspended in water then that water was observed under foldscope. We found club shaped Alternaria spores.

Fig: Alternaria spores and structures observed under foldscope

Alternaria is a genus of ascomycete fungi. Alternaria species are known as major plant pathogens. At least 20% of agricultural spoilage is caused by Alternaria species; most severe losses may reach up to 80% of yield, though. They are also common allergens in humans, growing indoors and causing hay fever or hypersensitivity reactions that sometimes lead to asthma.

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