Asperisporium caricae. [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria].
Abstract A description is provided for Asperisporium caricae. Information is included on the disease caused by the organism, its transmission, geographical distribution, and hosts. HOSTS: Carica papaya. DISEASE: Black spot, blight or 'rust' of papaw (Carica papaya). Water-soaked spots on mature leaves become necrotic, usually circular and up to 4 mm diam., the dark conidia! masses being conspicuous on the under surface. Abundant spotting causes defoliation and over 50% leaf fall can occur. Similar spots form on the fruit; they cause shallow lesions and no decay. Young leaves are not attacked. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Restricted to Central and S. America, West Indies and USA (Florida, Texas) (CMI Map 488, ed. 1, 1972). TRANSMISSION: Presumably air dispersed but no experimental work has been reported and there is no confirmation of an early suggestion of seed transmission (4: 682).