Fungi associated with root rot of subterranean clover in Western Australia

Abstract

Field trials were conducted during 1982-84 to determine the severity of root rot, and the identity and pathogenicity of the fungi associated with root rot of subterranean clover at five locations in the south-west of Western Australia. At all sites, there was moderate to severe root rot and seedling emergence was greatly reduced. Pythium irregulare and Fusarium oxysporum were the fungi most frequently isolated from diseased roots. F. avenaceum, P. irregulare, P. spinosum and R. solani were highly pathogenic to subterranean clover seedlings. F. oxysporum and P. medicaginis were less pathogenic and F. acuminatum, F. culmorum, F. equiseti, one isolate of M. phaseoli, and W. circinata were only weakly pathogenic. Ceratobasidium sp. (AG K), F. sulphureum, one isolate of M. phaseoli, P. coloratum, and R. cereale were non-pathogenic. This is the first record of pathogenicity of F. acuminatum, F. culmorum, F. equiseti, M. phaseoli and P. spinosum on subterranean clover in Western Australia. P. clandestina was detected at all sites.