Request for isolates of Phytophthora nicotianae from Annual Vinca (Catharanthus roseus)
The Jeffers Lab at Clemson University works closely with commercial flower companies to develop annual vinca (Catharanthus roseus) genotypes resistant to Phytophthora nicotianae, which causes foliage blight (also known as aerial blight) – see image below –and occasionally root rot. Infection by P. nicotianae can be a limiting factor to growing this popular bedding plant – especially in warm humid climates like the southeastern USA. Isolates of P. nicotianae are known to vary in virulence to annual vinca genotypes with different levels of resistance. Therefore, it is important to constantly challenge commercial cultivars and newly developed genotypes with a variety of pathogen isolates that vary in virulence. Consequently, our lab is looking for isolates of P. nicotianae from annual vinca plants with foliage blight or root rot – especially from plants in the resistant lines Cora, Cora XDR, and Titan-ium.
We can accept actual plant samples, isolation plates, or cultures and have the appropriate USDA APHIS-PPQ permit. Please contact Dr. Steve Jeffers (sjffrs@clemson.edu) if you have samples to share. Thanks for your cooperation.
