Synopsis of Fungi Listed as Regulated Plant Pests by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service: Notes on Nomenclature, Disease, Plant Hosts, and Geographic Distribution

Abstract

To prevent the entry of exotic fungal pathogens, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has compiled a list of regulated plant pests of concern to the U.S., including more than 50 species of fungi that might cause serious economic or environmental damage. The fungi on the APHIS Regulated Plant Pest List represent some of the most significant threats to U.S. agriculture. For each of these fungal species, a synopsis was prepared that presents notes on nomenclature, disease, plant hosts, and geographic distribution. The following scientific names should be updated: Cercospora batatas (Pseudocercospora timorensis), Chrysomyxa ledi var. rhododendri (Chrysomyxa rhododendri), Crinipellis perniciosa (Moniliophthora perniciosa), Phacidiopycnis pseudotsugae (Allantophomopsis pseudotsugae), Pucciniastrum areolatum (Thekopsora areolata), and Stereum hiugense (Xylobolus hiugensis). Nomenclatural controversies are discussed for some species, including Diaporthe mali and Monilinia fructigena. Changes in nomenclature often reflect advances in taxonomic understanding, resulting in transfers to a different genus, modifications of lists of taxonomic synonyms, or establishing anamorph/teleomorph connections. These changes can have important implications for accurately determining the geographic distribution and host range of a fungus. Accurate information about scientific names, geographic distribution, and plant host range is essential in determining pest risk and in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive fungal pathogens. Accepted for publication 18 March 2006. Published 5 May 2006.