Disease Note

Cercospora Blight of Asparagus in Malaysia. E. M. Saadaoui, Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center, P.O. Box 42, Shanhua, Tainan 74199, Taiwan, Republic of China. Plant Dis. 71:1146. Accepted for publication 19 August 1987. Copyright 1987 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-71-1146F.

Cercospora blight, incited by Cercospora asparagi Sacc., was first identified in Malaysia in 1986 and is now considered the most serious disease of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) in that country, where asparagus has been introduced only during the past few years. The disease has not been considered important in temperate climates but has the potential of becoming a major one in such areas as the Malaysian lowlands where both high humidity (2,400 mm average yearly rainfall) and high temperatures (26 C mean daily temperature year-round) are conducive to severe epidemics. The pathogen has been identified in all asparagus-growing areas surveyed (Melaka, Selangor, Penang, Cameron Highland) and has been repeatedly observed to cause appreciable damage through extensive blighting and premature death of ferns. A collection of 43 asparagus commercial cultivars and experimental lines obtained from seed companies and research institutions worldwide were screened for resistance to the disease using artificial inoculation, and all were found susceptible to the disease. Commercial cultivars tested included Aneto, Backlim, California 309, Cito, Darbonne No.3, Darbonne No.4, Desto, Franklim, Geynlim, Haidel, Jersey Giant, Junon, Larac, Lucullus, Marason, Mary Washington, Mary Washington 500W, Meisterschuss, Rutgers Beacon, UC 72, and UC 157.