Abstract
Neolitsea cassia, a tree species, belongs to family Lauraceae, is endemic to Sri Lanka. Few planted trees of Neolitsea cassia were severely affected by wilt disease. Two fungal pathogens were consistently isolated from collar region and roots of symptomatic trees. These two fungal species were identified as Colletotrichum and Pestalotiopsis by microscopic observations of conidia and culture characters of isolates on PDA. This is the first report of Colletotrichum and Pestalotiopsis species causing tree wilting of Neolitsea cassia in Sri Lanka. Application of 25 l of fungicide, Thiram + Thiophanate Methyl, 50+30% WP (Homai) solution (1g/l) around the base of each infected plant as a soil drenching was effectively controlled wilting of Neolitsea cassia caused by both pathogenic fungi.
Highlights
Neolitsea cassia (L.) Kosterm is a tree species in the family Lauraceae and known as "Dawulukurundu” or "Kudu dawula" in Sinhala and “Katttukaruwa” in Tamil languages
Neolitsea cassia (L.) is a common plant found in mountain understory evergreen rainforests at 700-1400 m altitude in Sri Lanka
Wilting of Neolissea cassia trees have been reported from various Sri Lanka parts (Personal communications with forest extension officials)
Summary
Neolitsea cassia (L.) Kosterm is a tree species in the family Lauraceae and known as "Dawulukurundu” or "Kudu dawula" in Sinhala and “Katttukaruwa” in Tamil languages. Trees are small or medium sized, height up to 18 m, flowering and fruiting usually occurs between October and July. Wilting of Neolissea cassia trees have been reported from various Sri Lanka parts (Personal communications with forest extension officials). Recently yellowing and wilting of trees was reported in Neolissea cassia established at Kurunegala, in the North-western province of Sri Lanka. Yellowing of leaves was the initial symptom followed by wilting of plants and, death of plants. It was observed discoloration on the surface of bark of the collar region and progressed up to hardwood (cambium) in most of the areas, when bark was peeled off using a knife. The study's objective was to identify the causal factors and find out suitable fungicides for develop proper control measures for tree death of Neolitsea cassia
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