Cercospora elaeidis. [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria].

A description is provided for Cercospora elaeidis. Information is included on the disease caused by the organism, its transmission, geographical distribution, and hosts. HOSTS: Elaeis guineensis. DISEASE: Freckle of oil palm. In the nursery areas of leaf infection show as groups of dull brown spots (each rarely exceeding 0.5 mm diam.); the spots coalesce, necrosis spreads and the surrounding tissue becomes orange; heavily infected areas of the lamina die. The final development of the symptoms is particularly noticeable on the older leaves. Necrotic spotting also occurs on field palms and it is usually most severe on the older fronds. The small brown spots have a small water-soaked halo; both the spots and halo (becoming yellow and then orange) enlarge; fully developed spots are round to oval, 3-4 mm diam. with the halo c. 10 × 4 mm; spots may coalesce and parts of the lamina become desiccated. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Central, E. and W. Africa (CMI Map 487, ed. 1, 1972). There is a later record from Australia (NT) on Carpentaria acuminata. A record from Surinam is considered doubtful (51, 4761). TRANSMISSION: No studies reported.