Studies on the epidemiology and other aspects of Chalara elegans

Chalara elegans is a fungal pathogen of a wide range of plant hosts including several of economic importance such as citrus, tomato, legumes and lettuce. The pathogen elicits a range of symptoms, the overall syndrome commonly

being referred to as black root rot. Although recognised as a common member of the soil mycobiota, it has been reported that more virulent strains have been introduced from overseas in sphagnum peat. This material is frequently used in seedling nurseries to raise seedlings prior to transplantation to field situations

for crop maturation.