Fusarium Blight of Kangaroo Paw (<i>Anigozanthos</i> spp.) caused by <i>Fusarium chlamydosporum</i> and <i>Fusarium semitectum</i>

Abstract

In 1990, an unreported blight occurred on kangaroo paw ( Anigozanthos spp.) plants in Okinawa, southern Japan. Initially the disease developed in roots, and the symptoms of wilt and browning progressed upwards. The root growth was suppressed and the internal part of the root was discoloured to brown. Eventually flowering stalks and leaves showed a brown to black discoloration exhibiting blight symptoms. Two species of Fusarium were obtained from the diseased plant. The same symptoms appeared in plants transferred to soil and inoculated artificially with the two species of Fusarium . Based on the cultural characteristics and morphology, the two fungi were identified as Fusarium chlamydosporum Wollenweb. &amp; Reinking and Fusarium semitectum auct. non Berk. &amp; Ravenel. As no report was found on the blight of kangaroo paw plants, we suggest naming the disease as Fusarium blight of kangaroo paw.