abstract
- Elsinoë fawcettii and E. australis are important pathogens of citrus. Both species are known to produce red or orange pigments, called elsinochrome. Elsinochrome is a nonhost-selective phytotoxin and is required for full fungal virulence and lesion formation. This article discusses the taxonomy, epidemiology, genetics and pathology of the pathogens. It also provides a perspective on the cellular toxicity, biosynthetic regulation and pathological role of elsinochrome phytotoxin.