Apical Chlorosis of Sunflower Caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tagetis. T. J. Gulya, Research Plant Pathologist, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, and Adjunct Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, North Dakota State University, Fargo 58105. R. Urs, Plant Pathologist, Dahlgren & Co., Crookston, MN 56716; and E. E. Banttari, Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108. Plant Dis. 66:598-600. Accepted for publication 1 March 1982. This article is in the public domain and not copyrightable. It may be freely reprinted with customary crediting of the source. The American Phytopathological Society, 1982. DOI: 10.1094/PD-66-598.

Pseudomonas syringae pv. tagetis was determined to be the causal agent of an apical chlorosis of sunflower, Helianthus annuus, in Minnesota and North Dakota. No other fungal or viral pathogens were implicated. No other field crops commonly grown in the two states were susceptible; the host range of the pathogen appears to be limited to members of the Compositae. The bacterium was seed-transmissible. Resistance was found in several USDA sunflower inbred lines.

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