New host record of Sclerotium rolfsii causing crown and root rot on Pseudogynoxis benthamii

RIVERA M.C.; WRIGHT E.; SILVESTRO L.B.; STENGLEIN S.A.; KATO A.

REVISTA MEXICANA DE BIODIVERSIDAD

INST BIOLOGIA

Lugar: México; Año: 2018 p. 950 - 953

1870-3453

Wilting Pseudogynoxis benthamii plants were observed in Buenos Aires (Argentina) during March 2016, at 25% incidence. The aim of this study was to identify the causal agent of the disease. A fungal isolate obtained from sclerotia developed on roots, caused symptoms on inoculated healthy plants in 2 weeks. The pathogen was identified as Sclerotium rolfsii on the basis of morphological characteristics. The rDNA internal transcribed spacer was PCR-amplified and sequenced. DNA analysis revealed a 99-100% identity for S. rolfsii. This is the first report of S. rolfsii on P. benthamii and the first pathogen reported on this plant species worldwide.