Root rot of clover caused by <i>Codinaea fertilis</i>

Abstract

Abstract Death of white clover in pastures on the east coast of the North Island was found to be caused by the fungus Codinaea fertilis Hughes &amp; Kendrick attacking the roots. C. fertilis was isolated from a high proportion of infected clover roots taken from pasture. Laboratory and glasshouse experiments demonstrated its pathogenicity. Optimum temperature for growth of C. fertilis was about 26 °c, which is consistent with the observation that the disease occurs in warmer northern districts and is more severe in summer than in winter.