Phytophthora cryptoea on Common Sage (Salvia officinalis L.) in Italy.

During the spring of 2013, many plants of common sage (Salvia officinalis L.), grown as potted plants in a commercial farm at Albenga (northern Italy) showed extensive symptoms of foliar wilt and root rot. The first symptoms developed with temperatures ranging between 8 and 26.

First Report of Web Blight on Rose Campion (Lychnis coronaria) Caused by Rhizoctonia solani AG 1-IB in Italy.

Lychnis coronaria (syn. Silene coronaria), rose campion, is a perennial in the Caryophyllaceae used in gardens. In the summer of 2014, a web blight was observed in a private garden located near Biella (northern Italy), approximately 45°39'N 8°00'E, on 40% of 100 5-month-old plants grown in sandy soil.

First Report of Dry and Soft Rot of Cereus marginatus var. cristata Caused by Fusarium oxysporum in Italy.

During the winter of 2013, 50% of 20,000 plants of Cereus marginatus var. cristata, Cactaceae family, grown in a commercial farm located in Liguria (northern Italy) showed symptoms of a dry or soft rot. In the case of dry rot, affected plants showed on the stem superficial necrosis and dry rot, irregularly shaped, 1 to 10 mm, while epidermal and cortical tissues were wounded.

First Report of Web Blight on Rebutia perplexa Caused by Rhizoctonia solani AG 2-2-IIIB in Italy.

Rebutia perplexa, Cactaceae family, is a clumping fine thorny cactus, producing several flushes of pink flowers. In the spring of 2013, a blight was observed in a farm located near Imperia (northern Italy) on 2% of 2,000 3-year-old plants, grown in plastic pots. Affected plants showed pale brown discoloration of stems, starting from the base, and eventually collapsed.

First Report of Stem Rot on Cereus peruvianus monstruosus Caused by Bipolaris cactivora (Petr.) Alcorn in Italy.

Cereus peruvianus monstruosus, known as "monster cactus," family Cactaceae, is grown as a potted plant. In the winter of 2013, a stem rot was observed on a farm located near Ventimiglia (northern Italy) on 80% of 4,000 9-month-old plants grown in trays in a peat substrate. Symptoms consisted of a rapid rot of the upper portion of the stem.

A Leaf Spot Caused by Phoma novae-verbascicola on Black Mullein (Verbascum nigrum L.) in Italy.

Verbascum nigrum L., common name black mullein, family Scrophulariaceae, is a rustic perennial plant belonging to the native flora in Italy. The plant, which produces bright yellow flowers densely grouped on the tall stem, is used in low-maintenance gardens.

First Report of Sclerotinia Blight Caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on Spearmint in Northern Italy.

Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) is an aromatic plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae, grown as well as an ornamental potted plant. During the beginning of 2013, extensive wilting was observed on 4-month-old potted plants of M.

First Report of Web Blight on Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) Caused by Rhizoctonia solani AG-1-IB in Italy.

Origanum vulgare L., common name oregano, family Labiatae, is grown for its aromatic and medicinal properties and as ornamental. In the fall of 2012, a blight was observed in a farm located near Albenga (northern Italy) on 6% of 30,000 50-day-old plants, grown in trays in a peat/perlite mix.

First Report of Web Blight on Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) Caused by Rhizoctonia solani AG-1-IA in Italy.

Rosmarinus officinalis L., family Labiatae, is an evergreen shrub used in gardens as an aromatic or ground cover plant. In the summer of 2012, a blight was observed in a farm located near Albenga (northern Italy) on 20% of 150,000 70-day-old plants, grown in trays.

First Report of Leaf Spot of Saponaria officinalis Caused by Alternaria nobilis in Italy.

Saponaria officinalis (Vize) Simmons (common name bouncingbet) is a low maintenance perennial plant belonging to the Caryophyllaceae family, typically grown in parks and gardens. During the summers of 2011 and 2012, extensive necrosis were observed on leaves of plants grown in private gardens, near Biella (northern Italy). The disease affected 90% of 1- to 2-year-old plants.

First Report of Crown and Stem Rot of Crested Molded Wax Agave (Echeveria agavoides) caused by Fusarium oxysporum in Italy.

During March 2012, 95% of 24-month-old plants of crested molded wax agave (Echeveria agavoides), a succulent plant belonging to the Crassulaceae family, showed symptoms of a basal stem and leaf rot in a commercial farm near Ventimiglia (northern Italy). Affected plants showed extensive chlorosis from the crown level to the stem apex, followed by yellowing and by the appearance of a water-soaked aspect of stem and leaf tissues. As disease progressed, leaves became brown, wilted, and rotted.

First Report of Verticillium Wilt caused by Verticillium dahliae Kleb. on New Zealand Spinach (Tetragonia tetragonioides) in Italy.

Tetragonia tetragonioides (New Zealand spinach, Aizoaceae) is an Australasian annual species that occurs naturally in Italy, where it is cultivated for the edible young shoots and succulent leaves. In September 2011, a previously unknown wilt was observed in 10 private gardens, each 0.1 to 0.

First Report of Fusarium oxysporum Causing Wilt on Iceland Poppy (Papaver nudicaule) in Italy.

During fall 2011, symptoms of a wilt disease were observed in a commercial nursery near Ventimiglia as well as in the Research Center of Floriculture of Sanremo (northern Italy) on plants of Papaver nudicaule (Iceland poppy) of a local unnamed cultivar. In the commercial nursery, 15 to 20% of plants were affected, while about 3% of plants were affected at the Research Center. Symptoms consisted of chlorosis, premature leaf drop, and foliar wilting, followed by the stem wilting, bending, and eventually rotting from the base.

Podosphaera sp. on Euphorbia susannae and E. inermis in Italy.

Euphorbia susannae (common name Suzane's spurge) and E. inermis (Euphorbiaceae family) are grown in pots and commercialized in northern Italy. In March 2012, plants of these species grown on the same commercial farm showed signs of powdery mildew.

First Report of Root Rot Caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi on Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) in Italy.

Kalmia latifolia L., common name Mountain Laurel, is an evergreen shrub that is becoming increasingly popular in gardens. It is also grown as a potted plant for its round flowers that range from light pink to white and occur in clusters in late spring.

First Report of Fruit Rot in Pear Caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea in Italy.

Pear (Pyrus communis L.) is widely grown in Italy, the leading producer in Europe. In summer 2011, a previously unknown rot was observed on fruit of an old cultivar, Spadoncina, in a garden in Torino Province (northern Italy).

First Report of Leaf Spot of Garden Lupin (Lupinus polyphyllus) Caused by Pleiochaeta setosa in Italy.

Lupinus polyphyllus Lindl., common name garden lupin, is used in commercial, private, and public landscapes and sold as a cut flower. During summer 2011, extensive brown necrotic areas were observed on young and old leaves of plants grown in a private garden near Biella (northern Italy).

First Report of Web Blight on Winter Savory (Satureja Montana "Repandens") Caused by Rhizoctonia solani AG-1-IA in Italy.

Satureja montana L. (winter savory "Repandens") is an evergreen shrub. In late summer 2010, blight was observed on a farm near Albenga (northern Italy) on 3% of 500 potted 2-month-old plants.

Golovinomyces biocellatus on Oregano (Origanum vulgare 'Compactum') in Italy.

Origanum vulgare L., common name oregano, also known as pot marjoram, Lamiaceae family, is grown for its aromatic and medicinal properties and as an ornamental. In particular, O.

First Report of Postharvest Fruit Rot in Avocado (Persea americana) Caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae in Italy.

Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is grown in some areas of southern Italy. In spring 2011, a previously unknown rot was observed on fruit that was marketed in Torino (northern Italy).

Powdery Mildew Caused by Golovinomyces orontii on Creeping Bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides) in Italy.

Creeping (June) bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides) is an herbaceous plant belonging to the Campunalaceae family. It has showy flowers, which is very much appreciated for gardens and landscaping. During the summer of 2011, 6- to 9-month-old plants grown in a garden near Biella (northern Italy) showed signs and symptoms of an unknown powdery mildew.

First Report of Sclerotinia Blight Caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum on Fan Columbine (Aquilegia flabellata) in Italy.

Fan columbine is a perennial garden species belonging to the family Ranunculaceae. During the spring of 2011, extensive wilting was observed on 5-month-old potted plants of Aquilegia flabellata grown in an experimental glasshouse belonging to the Center AGROINNOVA at Grugliasco (northern Italy). First symptoms included stem necrosis and darkening and withering of leaves.

First Report of Black Rot Caused by Phomopsis cucurbitae on Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo) in the Piedmont Region of Northern Italy.

Cucumis melo L., belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family, is cultivated on more than 23,000 ha in Italy. Cantaloupe (C.

First Report of Fusarium oxysporum Causing Wilt on Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) in Italy.

During summer 2010, symptoms of a wilt disease were observed in a commercial farm in northern Italy on Crassula ovata (jade plant). First symptoms consisted of chlorosis and premature drop of still turgid leaves. As the disease progressed, leaves turned yellow and wilted before dropping off and the stem wilted, bent, and eventually rotted starting from the base.