Seed-borne Brachycladium penicillatum Intercepted under Plant Quarantine Inspection in Korea

A fungus detected from the importing seeds of Papaver rhoeas under plant quarantine inspection in Korea was identified as Brachycladium penicillatum Corda. It differed in morphological characteristics from a similar species, B. papaveris, which was known to form no macroconidiophores and no microsclerotia. Since the first interception in 2006, this fungus has frequently been found from importing seeds of Papaver spp. It was detected from 31 out of 282 seed consignments imported from 2006 to 2011. To prevent its introduction to Korea, the seed consignments infested by B. penicillatum were destroyed or reshipped.

Identification of Calonectria colhounii Associated with Basal Stem Rot on Blueberry Seedlings Imported from the United States of America

Basal stem rot symptoms were found on blueberry seedlings imported from the United States of America in 2008. The fungus obtained from the diseased seedlings was identified as Calonectria colhounii based on morphological and molecular characteristics. The consignments of the blueberry seedlings infected with C. colhounii were destroyed to prevent introduction of the fungus to Korea.

Identification of Three Fungi Newly Intercepted from Importing Plants in Korea

Three fungi newly intercepted from importing plants were identified in 2004. They were Ascochyta chrysanthemi on Lactuca sativa from China, A. spinaciicola on Spinacia oleracea from Denmark, and Leptosphaerulina australis on Brassica oleracea var. capitata from China. The characters of these fungi were described and illustrated.

Blue Mold of Pear Caused by Penicillium aurantiogriseum in Korea

The isolation of a causal pathogen from pear fruits showing lesions of blue mold was carried out, which were preserved in the packinghouse of Anseong for the export to the United States. When the lesion of pears (Pyrus pyrifolia Niitaka) was checked in packinghouse, their fruit epidermis over decayed parts varied from light tan to dark brown. Also, the decayed flesh was soft and watery, and separated easily from the healthy tissue. Based on the cultural and morphological characteristics, the fungus (IL-12 isolate) was identified as Penicillium aurantiogriseum. This is the first report associated with blue mold of pear caused by P. aurantiogriseum in Korea.

Occurrence of Alternaria cassiae in Seeds of Sickle Senna in Korea

Alternaria cassiae Jurair & Khan was recorded on seeds of sickle senna(Cassia tora L.). Seed infection ranged from 25~45% in two samples. Developing roots and shoots turn brown and died in case of severe infection. Detailed descriptions were given on the habit characters of the fungus and on the morphology of conidiophores and condia. This is the first report of A. cassiae on seeds of Cassia.