Lophodermium ravenelii. [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria].
Abstract A description is provided for Lophodermium ravenelii. Information is included on the disease caused by the organism, its transmission, geographical distribution, and hosts. DISEASE: Nothing is yet known about the ecology of this species, except that zone lines, conidiomata and ascomata occur on secondary needles of native pines. The species is included here to aid identification of, and for comparison with, other members of this genus also on pines (Lophodermium australe, IMI Descriptions No. 563; L. baculiferum, IMI Descriptions No. 795; L. canberrianum, IMI Descriptions No. 564; L. conigenum, IMI Descriptions No. 565, L. durilabrum, IMI Descriptions No. 796; L. himalayense, IMI Descriptions No. 1149; L. indianum, IMI Descriptions No. 787; L. kumaunicum, IMI Descriptions No. 786; L. nitens, IMI Descriptions No. 566; L. orientale, IMI Descriptions No. 788; L. pinastri, IMI Descriptions No. 567, L. pini-excelsae, IMI Descriptions No. 785 and L. seditiosum, IMI Descriptions No. 568), some of which are known to be pathogenic. Most probably this is another fungus which begins as an endobiont, later perhaps (and under specific conditions) causing early senescence of the needle, then fruiting on that needle after its death. HOSTS: Pinus taeda, Pinus sp. (leaves). GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: NORTH AMERICA: USA (North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas). TRANSMISSION: Not known. Presumably by air-borne ascospores released in humid conditions.