Synonym: Depazea oenotherae.
Septoria oenotherae is an ascomycete fungus that causes leaf spots on evening primrose plants. In East and Central Texas, it has been found to infect Oenothera speciosa and other Oenothera species, producing small, circular to irregular leaf spots with dark borders and grayish centers, often resulting in defoliation. The fungus overwinters on infected plant debris and spreads via splash-dispersed conidia during rainy periods.
Flat winter rosette of stemless evening primrose (Oenothera triloba) with purple spots of spring dieback caused by a fungus Septoria oenotherae on Lake Somerville Trailway in area of Newman Bottom near Nails Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, February 2, 2021
Lake Somerville Trailway, Ledbetter, TX 78946, USA
Winter rosette of stemless evening primrose (Oenothera triloba) with purple spots of spring dieback caused by a fungus Septoria oenotherae near Flag Pond on Lake Somerville Trailway near Nails Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, March 10, 2021Lake Somerville Trailway, Ledbetter, TX 78946, USA
Basal leaf of stemless evening primrose (Oenothera triloba) with purple spots of spring dieback caused by a fungus Septoria oenotherae near Flag Pond on Lake Somerville Trailway near Nails Creek Unit of Somerville Lake State Park. Texas, March 10, 2021Lake Somerville Trailway, Ledbetter, TX 78946, USAObservations in East and Central Texas reveal that the fungus Septoria oenotherae infects stemless evening primrose (Oenothera triloba), causing purple spots of spring dieback. In February 2021, flat winter rosettes with these symptoms were found on Lake Somerville Trailway near Newman Bottom. Similar observations were made in March 2021 near Flag Pond, where both winter rosettes and basal leaves displayed the characteristic purple spots. The fungus's presence was consistent across different locations within the Somerville Lake State Park area, indicating its prevalence in the region. The timing of these observations suggests that the fungus is active during late winter to early spring, leading to dieback in infected plants. These findings provide insight into the seasonal activity and host range of Septoria oenotherae in East and Central Texas.
Mushroom Observer and Facebook for learning names of local mushrooms.
This web page was generated by a special script.