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Stem and Root Rot of Blueberry Caused by Calonectria crotalariae. R. D. Milholland, Associate Professor of Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University Raleigh 27607; Phytopathology 64:831-834. Accepted for publication 12 January 1974. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-64-831.

Calonectria crotalariae was isolated from blueberry seedlings and identified as the causal organism of a stem-and root-rot disease. Symptoms first appear as a browning of the stem near the soil line, followed by a wilting of the plant. Within 1 wk after infection, the entire stem turns brown and dies. The pathogen also causes root necrosis and a leaf spot consisting of brown, circular lesions surrounded by a red border measuring 1-3 mm in diam. Both highbush and rabbiteye blueberry cultivars are susceptible. A morphological and pathological comparison was made between the blueberry isolate, and a peanut isolate of C. crotalariae.