Phoma Canker of Pigeonpeas in Puerto Rico

Abstract

An epidemic of phoma canker was observed in February 1954, causing considerable damage to the pigeonpea crop, a rather important one in Puerto Rico. This paper reports a study of the causal agent, a species of Phoma characterized by the formation of papillate pycnidia of variable size. The disease could be produced in healthy pigeonpea plants by inoculation or by spraying with a water suspension of conidia obtained from a pure culture. Further study is advisable.