Teratosphaeria pseudonubilosa sp nov., a serious Eucalyptus leaf pathogen in the Teratosphaeria nubilosa species complex

Abstract

Teratosphaeria nubilosa is one of the most important pathogens of Eucalyptus in commercial plantations. A recent study has shown that the fungus, hitherto treated under this name, represents a complex of two species. Teratosphaeria pseudonubilosa sp. nov. is, therefore, described as a closely related and morphologically similar, sister species to T. nubilosa. T. pseudonubilosa infects leaves of commercially propagated and native E. globulus trees in forests of Victoria and Tasmania (Australia), where it is native. It has also been introduced into Western Australia and New Zealand where it causes serious defoliation of susceptible trees. A revised geographical distribution of T. nubilosa sensu stricto and T. pseudonubilosa is provided to assist in the future management of the diseases that they cause.