Notes on a Powdery Mildew on the ornamental plant Akebia quinata (Lardizabalaceae)

Authors Scholler, M; Gams, W

Journal NOVA HEDWIGIA , ,:

Abstract The anamorph of a powdery mildew on Akebia quinata (Lardizabalaceae) was found for the first time in Europe. The fungus was studied in detail and illustrated by drawings and photomicrographs. In most features, it matches Microsphaeria akebiae Sawada, native to Asia. However, our observations on conidial germination differ from those described in the literature.Akebia quinata (Thunb.) Decaisne (Lardizabalaceae, Dicotyledonae) is native to China and Japan. Introduced in Europe in 1845 (Boom 1972), it is a not very common climbing ornamental plant in gardens. In 1996, we observed a powdery mildew (Erysiphales) on A. quinata in a private garden in Baarn (the Netherlands). The plants had been propagated at least ten years before from mother plants located in Zeist. Our search at that locality in October also yielded the same fungus, though the attack was much less intense than in Baarn. As there is no powdery mildew species known on Akebia in Europe (Braun 1995), a more detailed investigation of the parasite has been initiated.

Species covered 木通 Akebia quinata