Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, a Possible Biological Control Agent for Clidemia hirta in Hawaiian Forests. Eduardo E. Trujillo, Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Hawaii, 3190 Maile Way, Honolulu 96822. Frances M. Latterell, Research Plant Pathologist, and Albert E. Rossi, Biologist, USDA, ARS, Foreign Disease-Weed Science Research Unit, Fort Detrick, Bldg. 1301, Frederick, MD 21701. Plant Dis. 70:974-976. Accepted for publication 30 April 1986. Copyright 1986 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-70-974.

An isolate of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides recovered from diseased leaves of Clidemia hirta collected in Panama was shown to be a highly aggressive pathogen of C. hirta cultivars from Hawaii. Disease symptoms on leaves appeared 4 days after inoculation as small brown spots that developed a week later into large angular spots with yellow halos. Severe premature defoliation and tip dieback followed. This pathogen shows promise as an agent for biological control of this weed in Hawaiian forests.

Keyword(s): anthracnose, Melastomataceae, noxious weeds.