1ST REPORT OF THE CANKER PATHOGEN ENDOTHIA-GYROSA ON EUCALYPTUS IN SOUTH-AFRICA

During country-wide surveys of Eucalyptus plantations for Cryphonectri a canker, cankers distinctly different from those usually associated w ith Cryphonectria cubensis were observed. These cankers were less seve re and were exemplified by cracked and slightly swollen areas on the b ark. Endothia gyrosa, a well-known pathogen of woody plants including Eucalyptus spp., was consistently associated with these cankers. The p athogen is easily distinguished from C. cubensis by the presence of or ange-brown stromata and non-septate ascospores. Inoculations on Eucaly ptus grandis resulted in lesions similar to those observed on naturall y infected trees. The disease associated with E. gyrosa is widespread in South Africa, and research is required to establish control strateg ies.