First report of pythium root rot of rau ram (Polygonum odoratum)

First report of pythium root rot of rau ram (Polygonum odoratum)

2005

A:PS

In January 2002, a severe dieback of Polygonum odoratum, native to southeastern Asia and is a common herb in Vietnam cuisine, was observed in a production house in Saint Lucie County, Florida, USA. Plants with less severe symptoms were yellowed and stunted. Roots of symptomatic plants were largely decayed with root symptoms beginning as a tip necrosis. The cortex of severely affected roots easily slipped off, leaving a stringy vascular system. Based on the sporangial, oogonial and antheridial characteristics, the causal agent was identified as Pythium helicoides. This is thought to be the first report of Pythium helicoides infecting Polygonum odoratum.

v.89(3):340, PLANT DISEASE

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