The mycobiota of the weed Lantana camara in Brazil, with particular reference to biological control

Abstract

A survey of the fungi associated with the tropical weed Lantana camara was conducted during 1988 and 1989 in part of its native range in southern Brazil. The sampling activity was concentrated mainly in the state of Rio de Janeiro, covering 70 sites located in different climatic or ecological zones. The survey continued and was extended to the Amazon and northeast regions. Nine fungal species were identified as members of the mycobiota, including the previously undescribed fungi: Ceratobasidium lantanae-camarae sp. nov., Dendryphiella aspera sp. nov. and Micropustulomyces mucilaginosus gen. et sp. nov. Perisporiopsis lantanae, which has not been recorded previously in Brazil, has its anamorph described for the first time. The rusts Aecidium lantanae were also recorded. Field observations suggest that several fungal pathogens have potential as classical biocontrol agents of the weed in the Old World tropics: Ceratobasidium lantanae-camarae and Puccinia lantanae in lowland humid climates; Mycovellosiella lantanae, Prospodium tuberculatum and Micropustulomyces mucilaginosus in more elevated or subtropical areas. In addition, databases and herbaria were consulted in order to compile a world list of fungal pathogens associated with L. camara.