First report of Puccinia psidii caused rust disease epiphytotic on the invasive shrub Rhodomyrtus tomentosa in Florida

M. B. Rayamajhi; P. D. Pratt; Ned B. Klopfenstein; A. L. Ross-Davis; L. Rodgers

doi:10.1094/PDIS-03-13-0225-PDN

Treesearch

First report of Puccinia psidii caused rust disease epiphytotic on the invasive shrub Rhodomyrtus tomentosa in Florida

Formally Refereed

Authors:

M. B. Rayamajhi, P. D. Pratt, Ned B. Klopfenstein, A. L. Ross-Davis, L. Rodgers

Year:

2013

Type:

Scientific Journal

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-03-13-0225-PDN

Source:

Plant Disease. 97(10): 1379.

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Abstract

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Aiton) Hassk. (downy-rose myrtle, family: Myrtaceae), of South Asian origin, is an invasive shrub that has formed monotypic stands in Florida (3). During the winter and spring of 2010 through 2012, a rust disease of epiphytotic proportion was observed on young foliage, stem terminals, and immature fruits of this shrub in natural areas of Martin and Lee counties, Florida. Expanding leaves and succulent stems developed chlorotic flecks on the surface that developed into pustules and ruptured to discharge urediniospores.

Keywords

Puccinia psidii, rust disease, invasive, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa

Citation

Rayamajhi, M. B.; Pratt, P. D.; Klopfenstein, N. B.; Ross-Davis, A. L.; Rodgers, L. 2013. First report of Puccinia psidii caused rust disease epiphytotic on the invasive shrub Rhodomyrtus tomentosa in Florida. Plant Disease. 97(10): 1379.