Cercosporidium sequoiae isolated from Cupressus lusitanica in Saint Lucia
Abstract
In July 2005, a new disease was found on Cupressus lusitanica in St. Lucia, West Indies. A progressive browning of the rachis from the lowest branches upwards was observed. The oldest needles close to the stem were the first to become infected with the disease spreading upwards out along the branches until only the tips remained green. Severely affected plants eventually died, especially when subjected to drought stress. These symptoms were seen in both nurseries and established plantations at three different sites on the island. Based upon the morphological characteristics, the fungus was identified as Cercosporidium sequoiae [Passalora sequoiae]. This is thought to be the first report of Cercosporidium sequoiae on white cedar in St. Lucia.
Citation
Reeder, R.; Kelly, P.L.; Mathurin, G. Cercosporidium sequoiae isolated from Cupressus lusitanica in Saint Lucia. Plant Pathology (2009) 58 (6) 1174-1174. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3059.2009.02101.x]