Description:
Fungi associated with cankers of Russian-olive seedlings at the Montana
State Nursery, Missoula, were investigated. Phomopsis elaeagni was most
often isolated from and fruiting on cankers. Other associated fungi
were Phoma herbarum, P. eupyrena, P. chrysanthemicola, P. exigua,
Alternaria alternate, Epicoccum nigrum, and Fusarium moniliforme.
Because of its common occurrence on cankers and its reported pathogenicity
on Russian-olive, P. elaeagni is considered the most likely cause of
these cankers. Recommendations for reducing future losses from this
disease are discussed.