Fungal pathogens of Calotropis procera (rubber bush), with two new records from Brazil

Abstract

Fungal pathogens associated with the asclepiadaceous weed Calotropis procera (rubber bush) are documented from published, as well as unpublished sources. Two new host-pathogen associations from Brazil; Phaeoramularia calotropidis and Puccinia obliqua, are recorded. The latter species infects the host systemically and induces the formation of conspicuous and damaging witches’ brooms. The rust appears to exert some control of C. procera in the more humid areas of Brazil and the biocontrol potential of this and the other listed pathogens is discussed.