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Pests and diseases

Quambalaria shoot blight

  • leaf symptoms of Quambalaria shoot bllight on spotted gum
    White spore masses covering necrotic lesions of quambalaria pitereka on a spotted gum leaf.
  • spotted gum shoots damaged by Quambalaria shoot blight
    Quambalaria shoot blight causes twisting and curling in new shoots and causes leaves to distort and buckle. The fungal lesions are covered in white spores.

General information

Quambalaria shoot blight is an infection by the fungal pathogen Quambalaria pitereka, (previously Ramularia pitereka) that damages new shoots and leaves, affecting growth and form in spotted gums (Corymbia species). Spotted gum species and provenances differ in their susceptibility to the fungus and the disease causes most damage in wetter conditions.

Scientific name

Caused by the fungus Quambalaria pitereka (formerly Ramularia pitereka and Sporothrix pitereka)

Description
  • white, shiny or powdery, fungal lesions associated with grossly distorted leaves and curled or twisted stems
  • affects new flushes of foliage, causing spotting and necrosis, and distorts expanding leaves and young, green stems
  • the leading shoot and upper lateral branches may die back.
Distribution
  • spotted gum plantations in Queensland and northern New South Wales.
Hosts
  • spotted gum (Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata)
  • lemon scented gum (Corymbia citriodora subsp . citriodora)
  • spotted gum (Corymbia maculata)
  • large-leaved spotted gum (Corymbia henryi)
  • cadaga (Corymbia torelliana) - less common
  • Corymbia hybrids - less common.
Damage
  • damage is most severe in young spotted gum plantations but also found on the immature leaves of older trees
  • can lead to dieback of the leader and upper lateral branches
  • shoots are distorted or killed in severe infections and affected leader shoots or side branches are lost
  • repeated infection can result in the growth of a stunted, bushy tree
  • the impact of the disease varies within plantations.

Further information

Last updated 16 October 2012