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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #63316
Title: FUNGI ON RHODODENDRON

Author
item Farr, David
item ESTEBAN, HILISIA - AMERICAN CYANAMID
item PALM, MARY - APHIS

Submitted to: Complete Book
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/20/1995
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The genus Rhododendron L., which includes the shrubs commonly called azaleas and rhododendrons, is the largest genus in the plant family Ericaceae and the most diverse genus in the plant kingdom. Many fungi occur on Rhododendron, some of which are parasitic on living plant parts, while others are saprophytic on dead or dying plant tissues. Most infectious diseases of Rhododendron are caused by fungi. According to the Dictionary of Gardening (Huxley at al., 1992), diseases of Rhododendron became more problematic during the 1980's when a powdery mildew spread to most of Britain, part of Europe, North America and Australia. Other serious diseases have spread during this time. The pest risk associated with these and other fungi must be assessed in order to make accurate plant quarantine decisions regarding the importation of rhododendrons. This project was undertaken to provide the basis for conducting those pest risk assessments. Additionally, the book is a valuable aid in the identification of fungi on Rhododendron. This publication brings together references from the worldwide literature concerned with the occurrence of fungi on Rhododendron. The list includes 518 fungal species on 219 species of Rhododendron. For each species of Rhododendron the associated fungi are listed along with information on distribution and the references used in compiling the information. Besides the listing by Rhododendron there are listings by fungus and by country.

Technical Abstract: This publication brings together references from the worldwide literature concerned with the occurrence of fungi on Rhododendron. The list includes 518 fungal species on 219 species of Rhododendron. For each species of Rhododendron the associated fungi are listed along with information on the distribution and the references used in compiling the information. The nomenclature and taxonomy for each of the fungi reported from Rhododendron is also included. Also provided for each fungus, in addition to the taxonomic information, are general notes about each fungus, references to useful taxonomic treatments, and a list of hosts other than Rhododendron. Besides the list of the fungi for each species of Rhododendron, there are lists by fungi and by country. An index to all of the fungal taxa covered is included.