A SURVEY OF SUB-TROPICAL NURSERY PLANTS FOR FUNGAL DISEASES IN NORTHLAND

摘要

During 2003 and 2004 forty-five randomly selected wholesale and retail plant nurseries were surveyed for plant diseases. The plant families Agavaceae, Annonaceae, Arecaceae, Bromeliaceae, Cycadaceae and Musaceae were targeted. Plants were examined insitu for disease symptoms as well as samples being collected for laboratory analyses. Fungi were identified using morphological characteristics, and where necessary with molecular techniques. The survey resulted in a range of fungi being identified fromthe target plants. These fungi ranged from saprophytes to plant pathogens, some of which may have undesirable effects on New Zealand's biodiversity or economy. Many new host/ pathogen records were observed and several fungi were detected for the first time in New Zealand. This paper presents and discusses the results of these findings.