Author
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Rossman, Amy |
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Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 5/1/2006 Publication Date: 6/15/2006 Citation: Rossman, A.Y. 2006. A brief history of systematic mycology in the United States with emphasis on invasive fungi [abstract]. Phytopathology 96:S143. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Systematic mycologists have long been at the front line in combating diseases caused by invasive fungi. They are the first responders who identify these often previously unknown species such as the cause of dogwood anthracnose and madrone canker. The first American mycologist, Father David Schweinitz published on all kinds of fungi from pyrenomycetes to mushrooms starting in 1823. He was followed by J.B. Ellis who supported himself by selling sets of fungal exsiccati as reference specimens. In the early part of the 19th century mycologists especially G.P. Clinton at the Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station and C.L. Shear at the USDA studied important plant pathogenic fungi. They among others recognized the potential threat posed by the fungi associated with the entry of foreign agricultural commodities. The introduction of the cause of chestnut was the most alarming of these diseases but white pine blister rust and wheat stripe rust also posed considerable problems. The recognition of the devastation caused by invasive fungi and the actions of these early mycologists and plant pathologists lead to the Plant Quarantine Act of 1912 and legislation to thwart the introduction of invasive fungi that continues up to today. Systematic mycology provides the foundation for this legislation and the safeguarding of American agriculture and natural resources. |
