First report of Taphrina sp. causing leaf distortion and reddening in glue berry, Cordia dichotoma in India

Abstract

Hitherto unknown fungal infection of Cordia dichotoma with leaf chlorosis distortion-reddening was observed in naturally growing plants at various places near Panchgaon Manesar, Gurgaon in March 2014 onwards covering 70% area of both surfaces. The pathogen was primarily identified as Taphrina sp. on the basis of morphology of asci and ascopsores. Aqueous suspension of whitish woolly growth (blooming) of the fungus sprayed on leaves produced typical blooming symptoms in about 15 days followed by reddening, distortion and cupping of C. dichotoma leaves.