Collar rot and wilt: a new disease of Java citronella {<em>Cymbopogon winterianus</em>) caused by <em>Fusarium moniliforme</em> Sheldon.

Commercial plantations of Java citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus) in Lucknow, Pantnagar and their adjoining areas were affected by a collar rot and wilt disease. The causal organism was identified as Fusarium moniliforme, anamorph of Gibberella fujikuroi. Isolates of the pathogen originating from Lucknow and Pantnagar differed in their pathogenicity on the host plant under glasshouse conditions. There were also differences in growth rates, pigment production and sporulation between isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]