Botryosphaeria mamane sp. nov. associated with witches’-brooms on the endemic forest tree Sophora chrysophylla in Hawaii

Author:

Gardner, Donald E.

Title:

Botryosphaeria mamane sp. nov. associated with witches’-brooms on the endemic forest tree Sophora chrysophylla in Hawaii

Periodical:

Mycologia

Year:

1997

Volume:

89

Pages:

298-303

Subject:

Fusicoccum Hawaiian fungi Plant diseases Mamane Sophora chrysophylla Fungi Hawaii

Summary:

This document describes a new species of fungus, known as Botryosphaeria Ces. & de Not., that has been found in Hawaii. This fungus has been consistently associated with branch and twig infections on the Sophora chrysophylla with its most prominent symptom being the formation of a "witches-broom". This is composed of abnormally thickened and roughened upright twigs that have shortened internodes and unsuppressed later buds. Along with this fungus, Microconidia are also produced. Found on most of the major Hawaiian islands, the Sophora chrysophylla is an endemic forest tree that provides critical habitat for the endemic palila, (Loxioides bailleui), an endangered bird from the honeycreeper group. Infected trees have been found on ranchland that is adjacent to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, (HVNP), that is located between the 1220 - 1525 meter elevation on the slopes of Mauna Loa on the island of Hawaii. However, this fungus has also been observed at similar elevations within the HVNP. It has also been found in open and dry forest areas that are located on the upper slopes of the northwestern portion of the island.

Label:

Botany - Mamane

Date:

1997

Collection:

Periodicals