Synonyms: Cercospora smilacis, Passalora smilacis.
Neocercosporidium smilacis is a fungal species in the phylum Ascomycota that infects plants in the Smilax genus. In East and Central Texas, it has been found to cause leaf spot disease on greenbrier (Smilax bona-nox) and other Smilax species, characterized by small, circular to elliptical lesions with grayish-brown centers and dark brown margins. The fungus produces conidia that are solitary, hyaline, and multiseptate, measuring 40-120 μm in length. It overwinters on infected plant debris and disperses through rain splash and wind-driven water.
Deutero fungus (Neocercosporidium smilacis, Cercospora smilacis) on leaves of common greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia) on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, May 10, 2020
Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Circular dark purplish red spots with centers fading with age caused by Deutero fungus (Neocercosporidium smilacis, Cercospora smilacis) on leaves of common greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia) on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, May 10, 2020Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Dark red spots of Deutero fungus (Neocercosporidium smilacis, Cercospora smilacis) on leaves of common greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia) on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, May 10, 2020Little Lake Creek Loop Trail, Montgomery, TX 77356, USA
Deutero fungus (Neocercosporidium smilacis, Cercospora smilacis) on leaves of common greenbrier (Smilax rotundifolia) on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest. Texas, June 29, 2022Lone Star Hiking Trail, Montgomery County, Texas, 77873, United StatesObservations of Neocercosporidium smilacis in East and Central Texas reveal distinct characteristics of the fungus on common greenbrier leaves. Circular dark purplish-red spots with fading centers were observed, caused by the Deutero fungus. The spots appeared as dark red lesions on the leaves. These observations were made on Richards Loop Trail in Sam Houston National Forest on two separate occasions: May 10, 2020, and June 29, 2022. The consistent presence of Neocercosporidium smilacis on common greenbrier leaves in this region suggests a recurring infection pattern. The fungus's impact on the host plant is evident through the distinct spotting symptoms, which may fade over time as the lesions mature. Overall, these observations provide insight into the manifestation and persistence of Neocercosporidium smilacis in East and Central Texas.
Mushroom Observer and Facebook for learning names of local mushrooms.
This web page was generated by a special script.