Root rot of tree lucerne caused by Phytophthora nicotianae

Phytophthora nicotianae Breda de Haan was consistently isolated from rotted roots and discoloured vascular tissues of tree lucerne ( Chamaecytisus palmensis ). It was identified with the aid of total DNA restriction fragment length polymorphisms and morphological characters. Pathogenicity was demonstrated by inoculation. This is the first record of P. nicotianae on tree lucerne in South Africa.