Phoma (Phomopsis) Fungal Disease

Phoma (Phomopsis) is a fungal disease known to affect cacti, including *Trichocereus* species. It presents as a pathogen of concern that can compromise the health of the host plant. While specific visual symptoms, lesion types, and progression patterns on the epidermis or ribs were not detailed in the community discussion, identification typically relies on diagnostic observation of fungal spread.

The identification of this pathogen within the community was documented in April 2026, stemming from an infected specimen presented by grower Itzel Estrella. The fungal infection was identified as Phoma/Phomopsis by community member Dushi Kaunt.

To treat and manage Phoma (Phomopsis) infections, the following chemical fungicides are recommended:

• Mancozeb: A broad-spectrum contact fungicide used to control surface spread.
• Propiconazole 14.3: A systemic fungicide that provides internal protection and treatment.

Both products are noted to be readily available for purchase online.

The community discussion focused on diagnosing a problematic fungal infection on a cultivated cactus, resulting in a direct recommendation for chemical control.

Dushi Kaunt was assigned a confidence score of 6/10 for providing specific, actionable chemical remedies (Mancozeb and Propiconazole 14.3) to address the pathogen. However, because there was no broader consensus or verification by established experts such as Gee Bee in the discussion, the score remains moderate.