First Report of Stem and Foliar Blight of Sunflower Caused by Alternariaster helianthi in Louisiana.

During the fall of 2009, sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) planted at the LSU AgCenter's Burden Center in Baton Rouge, LA exhibited severe stem and foliar blight symptoms. Symptoms on stems and petioles included elongated, slightly sunken lesions with dark brown margins.

First Report of Uromyces plumbarius, Rust of Gaura, in Louisiana and a new host, Guara lindheimeri.

Gaura lindheimeri Engelm. & A. Gray (Onagraceae) is an ornamental shrub that is native to southern Louisiana and Texas.

First Report of Fusarium Wilt of Canary Island Date Palm Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. canariensis in Louisiana.

Canary Island date palm (Phoenix canariensis Hort. Ex Chabaud) is a signature palm planted in New Orleans, LA. Currently, the city has approximately 1,000 mature Canary Island date palms.

First Report of Puccinia thaliae Rust on Canna Lily in Louisiana.

Canna lily is a monocot, herbaceous perennial ornamental plant in the Cannaceae that is native to tropical South America and cultivated throughout the southern United States. Canna lily is a popular garden and landscaping plant and a large horticultural industry depends on this plant. In September 2008 and again in November 2009, two species of Canna lily (Canna × generalis L.

First Report of Xylella fastidiosa Associated with Oleander Leaf Scorch in Louisiana.

Oleander (Nerium oleander L.) is an evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean Region and Southeast Asia. Despite being poisonous, it is a popular ornamental plant for use in landscapes, gardens, parks, roadsides, and highway medians.