Identification of the Two Nectria Taxa Causing Bole Cankers on American Beech. H. Van T. Cotter, Former Graduate Student, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, University of New Hampshire, Durham 03824. Robert O. Blanchard, Associate Professor, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, University of New Hampshire, Durham 03824. Plant Dis. 65:332-334. Copyright 1981 American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-65-332.

A simple and accurate method is presented for identification of the two Nectria taxa associated with beech bark disease in North America. Ascospore length, in a sample of 25 ascospores, can be used to differentiate Nectria coccinea var. faginata and N. galligena from the boles of living American beech.

Keyword(s): Fagus grandifolia.