Balansia cyperi is a fungus in the family Clavicipitaceae that infects grasses, including purple nutsedge and other sedges. In East and Central Texas, it has been found to be a common pathogen of Cyperus spp., causing systemic infections and forming stromata on infected plants. The fungus produces perithecia containing ascospores, which are dispersed by insects and rain splash. Infected plants often exhibit reduced growth, chlorosis, and altered reproductive structures. Balansia cyperi has been collected from various counties in East and Central Texas, including Brazos, Burleson, and Travis counties, with a range of hosts including Cyperus esculentus and Cyperus rotundus.
Green flatsedge (Cyperus virens) infected by fungus Balansia cyperi in a ditch in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 19, 2020
Lick Creek Park, 13600 Rock Prairie Rd, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Infected inflorescence that is enveloped by fungus Balansia cyperi in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 19, 2020Lick Creek Park, 13600 Rock Prairie Rd, College Station, TX 77845, USA
Cross section of inflorescence of green flatsedge (Cyperus virens) enveloped by fungus Balansia cyperi taken from Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 19, 2020
Close-up of inflorescence of green flatsedge (Cyperus virens) enveloped by fungus Balansia cyperi taken from Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, June 19, 2020
Inflorescence of green flatsedge (Cyperus virens) enveloped by fungus Balansia cyperi taken from a ditch in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, July 1, 2020
Green flatsedge infected by fungus Balansia cyperi taken from a ditch in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, July 1, 2020
Green flatsedge (Cyperus virens) infected by fungus Balansia cyperi in a ditch at the entrance in Lick Creek Park. College Station, Texas, July 22, 2020Lick Creek Park, 13600 Rock Prairie Rd, College Station, TX 77845, USAObservations of the fungus Balansia cyperi in East and Central Texas revealed its presence on green flatsedge (Cyperus virens) in various locations within Lick Creek Park, College Station, Texas. Infected plants were found in ditches, with the fungus enveloping the inflorescence. Close-up examinations showed the fungus covering the entire inflorescence, while cross-sections revealed its internal presence. The fungus was observed on multiple dates: June 19, July 1, and July 22, 2020, indicating a persistent infection. Infected plants were found in different areas of the park, including near the entrance, suggesting a widespread presence of the fungus. The observations highlight the prevalence of Balansia cyperi on green flatsedge in this region, with the fungus consistently infecting the plant's inflorescence.
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