First report of powdery mildew of rainforest spinach (Elatostema reticulatum), native to Australia, caused by Podosphaera xanthii

Powdery mildew-infected rainforest spinach (Elatostema reticulatum) plants were found in Queensland, Australia. Based on morphology and nrDNA ITS sequence analyses, the pathogen was identified as Podosphaera xanthii, a powdery mildew species with a worldwide distribution and a broad host range. This is the first record of P. xanthii infecting E. reticulatum, and the first powdery mildew infection recorded for this native Australian plant.

Automated summary

The pathogen Podosphaera xanthii was identified infecting the native Australian plant Elatostema reticulatum, marking the first record of powdery mildew infection on this plant species. This powdery mildew species has a worldwide distribution and broad host range.