Mycobiota of the weed Cyperus rotundus in the state of Rio de Janeiro, with an elucidation of its associated Puccinia complex

Abstract

A survey of the fungi associated with the pantropical weed Cyperus rotundus was conducted during 1988 and 1989 in part of its exotic range in southern Brazil. The sampling activity was concentrated in the state of Rio de Janeiro, covering 70 sites located in different climatic or ecological zones. Five species were identified as members of the pathogenic mycobiota: Cercospora caricis, Cintractia limitata, Dactylaria higginsii, Duosporium cyperi and Puccinia canaliculata. All are reported here for the first time in Brazil and Duosporium cyperi is a new record from Cyperus rotundus. The complex of six rust species belonging to Puccinia which have been described from C. rotundus was critically re-examined and three of these, Puccinia conclusa, P. cypericola and P. philippinensis are considered to be synonyms of P. canaliculata. The implications for biological control of C. rotundus are discussed.