SEPTORIA LEAF-SPOT, A POTENTIAL BIOLOGICAL-CONTROL FOR BANANA POKA VINE IN FORESTS OF HAWAII

Pathogenicity studies in Hawaii have confirmed Septoria passiflorae as an aggressive pathogen of banana poka (Passiflora tripartita var. tri partita). Initial symptoms on inoculated leaves are chlorotic spots th at appear 14 days after inoculation and become distinct circular lesio ns with yellow halos by 20 days. The spots develop necrotic centers 3 mm in diameter 20-24 days after inoculation, and diseased leaves turn bright yellow and dehisce. Host range studies confirmed P. foetida, al so a weed, as a susceptible host. The economic crops purple and yellow lilikoi and other species tested were immune. Since the Passifloracea e are not native to the Hawaiian islands, S. passiflorae is presumed t o be an environmentally safe biocontrol agent for these weeds in Hawai i.