First Occurrence of Sclerotinia Rot in Aster and Strawflower in Japan

Abstract

Sclerotinia rot of aster (Aster pilosus Willd.) and strawflower (Helichrysum bracteatum Willd.) occurred in Tokyo Metropolis in 1998. The causal fungus isolated from the diseasd plants was identified as Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Libert) de Bary by morphological observations and inoculation tests. This is the first report on the disease in Japan.