Rosellinia arcuata. [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria].
Abstract A description is provided for Rosellinia arcuata. Information is included on the disease caused by the organism, its transmission, geographical distribution, and hosts. HOSTS: Plurivorous; important on Camellia sinensis. DISEASE: Black root rot mainly of tropical and subtropical woody hosts; plurivorous but only of serious importance on tea (Camellia sinensis). The advancing edge of the mycelium is white, shading to black. On the root surface the black network of strands gives a woolly appearance and beneath the bark star-like fans of white mycelium spread out on the wood. On tea the fungus may spread up the stem fan a short distance; the bush often dies suddenly, the leaves remaining attached for some time. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Records of this fungus are apparently infrequent. It has been reported from Central African Republic, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia (Java, Sumatra), Kenya, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Zaire Republic. TRANSMISSION: As mycelium from surface organic litter and woody debris and possibly also through spores.