Transportation and Viability of Conidia of Discula destructiva on Hippodamia convergens. Deanna M. Colby, Former Graduate Research Assistant, The University of Tennessee, Knox-ville 37901-1071. Mark T. Windham, Associate Professor, and Jerome F. Grant, Associate Professor, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, The University of Tennessee, Knox-ville 37901-1071. Plant Dis. 80:804-805. Accepted for publication 9 April 1996. Copyright 1996 The American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-80-0804.

This research was designed to evaluate the role of insects in dissemination of D. destructiva conidia. Results confirmed that our model insect, the convergent lady beetle, Hippodamia convergent, could transport viable conidia externally and internally. Also, conidia carried externally remained viable for as long as 16 days. This research suggests that insects may play a role in localized spread of dogwood anthracnose.

Keyword(s): Cornus florida, dogwood