Toetoe (Cortaderia fulvida) - A New Graminaceous host fro Armillaria Root Rot

Authors: C.G. Shaw, D. Sinja, M. MacKenzie
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 1976, Issue N.Z.J.For. 21(2) 1976, pp 265-268, Aug 1976
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Sporophores of Armillaria novae-zelandiae were found on dead toetoe (Cortaderia fulvida) plants in two experimental Pinus radiata plantations established on sites cleared of indigenous forest on the Mamaku plateau. Excavation of 60 dead toetoe clumps in the two plantations showed nearly 90% to be thoroughly infected with Armillaria. In both plantations P. radiata with dead, decaying toetoe clumps directly adjacent to their base were more frequently infected with Armillaria than trees with no toetoe within 60 cm. It is suggested that, when abundant, dead toetoe clumps in close proximity to pines may serve as a minor secondary source of Armillaria inoculum. To avoid this possibility, and to eliminate competition from the weed, early control of toetoe appears desirable. This is the first record of a graminaceous host for Armillaria in New Zealand.

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