THE MYCOBIOTA OF THE WEED CHROMOLAENA-ODORATA IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL WITHPARTICULAR REFERENCE TO FUNGAL PATHOGENS FOR BIOLOGICAL-CONTROL

A survey of the fungi associated with the tropical weed Chromolaena od orata in part of its native range in southern Brazil was undertaken du ring 1988 and 1989. Sampling was concentrated mainly in the state of R io de Janeiro, covering 70 sites located in different climatic or ecol ogical zones. Eight fungal species were identified as regular members of the mycobiota, including Redbia trichomambusta sp. nov. (Deuteromyc otina), and these are described and illustrated. This taxon and four o ther species, Alternaria zinniae, Mycovellosiella perfoliata, Ophiocil iomyces bauhiniae and Fusarium pallidoroseum, have not been recorded p reviously from C. odorata. Field observations were used to assess thei r bioligical control potential. Anhellia niger, Mycovellosiella perfol iata and Septoria ekmaniana are considered to be promising classical b iological control agents.