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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BARC) » Beltsville Agricultural Research Center » Mycology and Nematology Genetic Diversity and Biology Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #375615
Research Project: Enhancing Plant Protection through Fungal Systematics

Location: Mycology and Nematology Genetic Diversity and Biology Laboratory

Title: Boxwood blight disease: a diagnostic guide

Author
item CASTROAGUDIN, VANINA - Orise Fellow
item YANG, XIAO - Orise Fellow
item DAUGHTREY, MARGERY - Cornell University
item Luster, Douglas - Doug
item PSCHEIDT, JAY - Oregon State University
item Weiland, Gerald - Jerry
item Crouch, Jo Anne

Submitted to: Plant Health Progress
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/6/2020
Publication Date: 9/22/2020
Publication URL: https://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/7197240
Citation: Castroagudin, V.L., Yang, X., Daughtrey, M.L., Luster, D.G., Pscheidt, J.W., Weiland, G.E., Crouch, J.A. 2020. Boxwood blight disease: A diagnostic guide. Plant Health Progress. 21:291-300. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHP-06-20-0053-DG.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1094/PHP-06-20-0053-DG

Interpretive Summary: Boxwood plants worldwide are threatened by a deadly fungal disease known as boxwood blight. Accurate diagnosis of boxwood blight is one of the best ways to reduce spread and reduce damage, but differences in symptoms or sometimes the lack of symptoms can make disease diagnosis difficult. Therefore, scientists researched the different ways that boxwood blight can be diagnosed and developed a guide for diagnosis of boxwood blight. This guide will be used by diagnosticians, regulatory officials, plant pathologists, extension personnel and growers to minimize the spread and impact of boxwood blight.

Technical Abstract: Boxwood blight, caused by Calonectria henricotiae and C. pseudonaviculata, is an extremely destructive disease of cultivated and native Buxus species worldwide. The disease is widespread in North America, Europe, and Southwest Asia. Early and accurate diagnosis of boxwood blight is the most effective tool used to prevent spread of the disease, and is the first step for development and implementation of appropriate control measures. This diagnostic guide provides up-to-date information on how to diagnose and identify boxwood blight, and also offers an overview of methods used to isolate, store cultures and evaluate pathogenicity of the causal agents.