CLAVICEPS-CITRINA SP-NOV, A PARASITE OF THE HALOPHYTIC GRASS DISTICHLIS-SPICATA FROM MEXICO

The occurrence of an undescribed ergot species, Claviceps citrina, on the halophytic chloridoid grass Distichlis spicata, in the Texcoco reg ion of central Mexico, is reported. RAPD and ITS1 sequences of this fu ngus were compared with other Claviceps species and the morphological uniqueness of the fungus was reinforced. Its sclerotia do not contain any alkaloids of the ergoline type. Germination of sclerotia occurred immediately after placing them on humid sand. After removal of the cap itula, the remaining stipe was able to regenerate the capitulum.