The Species of Ciborinia Pathogenic to Herbaceous Angiosperms

Batra, Lekh R., and Richard P. Korf. (Cornell U., Ithaca, N. Y.) The species of Ciborinia pathogenic to herbaceous angiosperms. Amer. Jour. Bot. 46(6): 441–450. Illus. 1959.—On the basis of anatomical studies, 2 distinct species of Ciborinia, a generic segregate of Sclerotinia, are shown to occur on Erythronium. The life history and phytopathology of one of these, C. erythronii, are reported. The species is shown to be homothallic, to develop its sclerotia in nearly all parts of the plant, to overwinter also in the form of mycelium in bulbs, and to form spermatia in the field. Experiments on factors affecting formation of sclerotia and apothecia in the laboratory are reported. Prolonged washing of sclerotia formed in the laboratory proved to be an important factor for development of apothecia. A new species, C. trillii, pathogenic to Trillium is described, as is a new species, C. violae, pathogenic to Viola. The generic diagnosis of Ciborinia is emended on the basis of these studies. A new combination, C. hirtella, is also proposed.