Canavirgella banfieldii gen. and sp.nov. (Ascomycetes: Rhytismatales)
is a previously undescribed needlecast fungus attacking Pinus strobus
throughout the eastern U.S.A. from North Carolina to Maine. Pinus peuc
e was severely infected in northern Vermont. Hysterothecia average 3.2
cm long and are epiphyllous, subhypodermal, and dematiaceous, with cl
avate asci bearing short rod-shaped ascospores. Pycnidia are epiphyllo
us, subhypodermal, concolorous, blisterlike with one or more pores, an
d produce minute bacillar conidia. These characteristics separate this
fungus from existing genera as presently defined.