New Disease (Balansia cyperi) of Purple Nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus). Keith Clay, Department of Botany, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803. Plant Dis. 70:597-599. Accepted for publication 12 February 1986. Copyright 1986 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-70-597.

Purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus) in Louisiana is often infected by the systemic fungus Balansia cyperi (Ascomycetes, Clavicipitaceae). Infected plants often produce diseased inflorescences, and the fungus can be transmitted via tubers. It is related to endophytic fungi of grasses that are toxic to herbivores.