Curvularia lunata as a versatile pathogen causing leaf spot diseases in diverse plant species and its management strategies

Abstract

Curvularia lunata poses a significant threat to agricultural ecosystems worldwide, causing substantial yield losses and economic consequences across a variety of crops. As a prominent phytopathogenic fungus known for its affinity for leaf spot diseases, its proliferation warrants attention due to its remarkable adaptability and expanding influence. It can serve as a beneficial endophyte for certain plants; however, its pathogenic nature underscores its potential to affect both plant and human health. This review explores key characteristics of C. lunata , including its morphology characterized by dark, velvety colonies and distinctive crescent-shaped spores. Its ecological role as a plant pathogen is examined, emphasizing the damage it can inflict on crops. Additionally, C. lunata is known to produce various secondary metabolites, including phytotoxic and other biologically active compounds. Collectively, current evidence identifies C. lunata as a biologically versatile and epidemiologically important pathogen whose effective management depends on accurate identification, understanding of host–pathogen interactions, and recognition of environmental conditions that favor disease development. No single control approach is consistently sufficient across pathosystems; rather, sustainable management requires the integration of cultural, biological, and judicious chemical measures according to host and production conditions. This synthesis therefore provides a practical evidence base for disease diagnosis, risk assessment, and management decision-making by researchers and crop-protection stakeholders.