First report of the canker pathogen Endothia gyrosa on Eucalyptus in South Africa

During country-wide surveys of Eucalyptus plantations for Cryphonectria canker, cankers distinctly different from those usually associated with Cryphonectria cubensis were observed. These cankers were less severe and were exemplified by cracked and slightly swollen areas on the bark. Endothia gyrosa , a well-known pathogen of woody plants including Eucalyptus spp., was consistently associated with these cankers. The pathogen is easily distinguished from C. cubensis by the presence of orange-brown stromata and non-septate ascospores. Inoculations on Eucalyptus grandis resulted in lesions similar to those observed on naturally infected trees. The disease associated with E. gyrosa is widespread in South Africa, and research is required to establish control strategies.