New South Wales Department of Agriculture,Entomology Branch,Annual Report 1966-7 (extracts)

Abstract

Damage to tea plants due to a root infection was observed on an estate in southern Malawi. Initial symptoms on plants in the infected areas varied from yellowing of leaves on individual branches followed by dieback to a more frequent rapid wilting of the leaves of entire bushes. The bark surface of superficial roots and collar region was covered by a loose mat of coarse fungal mycelium varying from white or cream to pale or bright yellow in colour. Infection was well developed on a large proportion of roots of affected plants before foliage symptoms appeared. The causal agent was identified as Pseudophaeolus baudonii (Pat.) Ryv.; this is the first record of the fungus in Malawi and the first record of its occurrence anywhere on tea. The fungus is widely distributed in Africa on a range of hosts. It is not yet known how the fungus is transmitted and definite control methods cannot be recommended although it is suggested that entire tea crops in diseased areas be removed and the land used for tobacco production. It is unlikely thatP. baudonii will have serious economic effects on tea crops in the area.