A new species of Phomopsis causing twig dieback of Vaccinium vitis-idaea (lingonberry)

A fungus was discovered causing a progressive twig dieback on stems of Vaccinium vitis-idaea (lingonberry) in Oregon. Both morphological and molecular data suggest that the fungus belongs in Diaporthe/Phomopsis but is distinct from P. vaccinii, cause of a dieback and fruit rot of blueberry and cranberry (Vaccinium spp.). This fungus is described and illustrated as a new species, Phomopsis columnaris. It is distinguished from other species of Phomopsis by the distinctive conidiophores that consist of vertically aligned cells lining the base and sides of the conidiomata. Another species of Phomopsis described on Vaccinium, Phomopsis myrtilli, known from V. myrtillus, is redescribed and illustrated based on authentic herbarium material.