Janice Uchida

• University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Ti ringspot is an emerging foliar disease of the Ti plant (Cordyline fruticosa) in Hawaii that is quickly spreading throughout the islands. Symptoms include small chlorotic ringspots on leaves that often coalesce to form larger lesions. Although several virus species have been discovered in symptomatic plants, none have been associated with these s...

The recent surge in demand for exotic ornamental crops such as orchids has led to a rise in international production, and a sharp increase in the number of plant and plant products moving between countries. Along with the plants, diseases are also being transported and introduced into new areas. Fusarium is one of the major diseases causing pathoge...

Phytophthora Clade 5 is a very poorly studied group of species of oomycete chromists, consisting of only two known species P. castaneae (≡ P. katsurae, nom. illegit.) and P. heveae with most isolates from East Asia and the Pacific Islands. However, isolates of two important disease-causing chromists in Clade 5, one of kauri (Agathis australis) in N...

This chapter emphasizes the importance of devoting more efforts to create sustainable farming system for plant disease prevention and management in the tropics. We highlight sustainable pest management approaches that: (1) enhance high biological diversity through polyculture instead of the conventional preference of monoculture cropping systems; (...

A decline of unknown etiology has become a major problem for commercial orchid production in Hawaii, one of the primary orchid producing states in the U.S. The major symptoms of decline include root degradation, foliar blight, pseudobulb rot and sheath rot. It was unclear whether all these symptoms are caused by the same or different pathogens, but...

From 1997 to 2011, Phytopbthorm colocmsime was isolated from taro leaf blight samples, collected from the islands of Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, and the Big Island of Hawaii. A total of 218 isolates were obtained and all were of the A2 mating type. Isolates collected in 2011 from 20 farms in 12 districts of the 4 islands were also tested for metalaxyl re...

Common green ti plants (Cordyline fruticosa L.) in Hawaii can be infected by four recently characterized closteroviruses that are tentative members of the proposed genus Velarivirus. In this study, a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay developed to detect and distinguish Cordyline virus 1 (CoV-1), CoV-2, CoV-3, and CoV-4...

In Hawaii, common green ti plants ( L.) have been shown to harbor Cordyline virus 1 (CoV-1) which, along with Little cherry virus 1 (LChV-1), and Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 7 (GLRaV-7), form a distinct clade within the family . Preliminary work has indicated that, aside from CoV-1, three additional closteroviruses may infect common green t...

Shiraishi, A., Leslie, J. F., Zhong, S., and Uchida, J. Y. 2012. AFLP, pathogenicity, and VCG analyses of Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium pseudocircinatum from Acacia koa. Plant Dis. 96:1111-1117. Acacia koa (koa), a native tree in Hawaii, suffers from a dieback caused by Fusarium oxysporum. Pathogenicity tests, vegetative compatibility group (VCG)...

Most rust fungi are highly host specific, but Puccina psidii has an extremely broad host range within Myrtaceae and gained notoriety with a host jump in its native Brazil from common guava (Psidium guajava) to commercial Eucalyptus plantations. When detected in Hawai‘i in April 2005, the first invasion outside the neotropics/subtropics, there was i...

Puccinia psidii, the cause of eucalypt-guava-'ohi'a-myrtle rust, can infect diverse plants within the Myrtaceae, and this rust pathogen has the potential to threaten numerous forest ecosystems worldwide. Known occurrence records from Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Costa Rica, USA (Hawaii, Florida, and Puerto Rico), and Japan were used to develop biocli...

Puccinia psidii causes rust disease on many host species in the Myrtaceae [1]. First reported in 1884 on guava in Southern Brazil [2], the rust has since been detected on several myrtaceous in South America, Central America, Caribbean, Mexico, USA: in Florida, California, and Hawaii. More recently, P. psidii was reported in Japan infecting M. polym...

Palms (Arecaceae) are affected by a variety of pathogens, most of which are fungi. We detail pathogens, host ranges, disease description, diagnosis and epidemiology as well as management for the significant, usually fatal, diseases affecting palms grown in the continental United States and Hawaii. These include fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f.s...

A Neotropical rust of the Myrtaceae, Puccinia psidii Winter, was described from Psidium guajava L., or guava, in Brazil in 1884 (1). It was first discovered in Hawaii on potted Metrosideros polymorpha Gaud. on Oahu in April 2005 (2) with pathogenicity and identity established (3). It spread quickly, and by January 2006, severe outbreaks of this rus...

Palms (Arecaceae) are affected by a variety of pathogens, most of which are fungi. We detail pathogens, host ranges, disease description, diagnosis and epidemiology as well as management for the significant, usually fatal, diseases affecting palms grown in the continental United States and Hawaii. These include fusarium wilt ( Fusarium oxysporum f....

The threat of invasive species to natural areas presents enormous challenges, but there are opportunities for working toward solutions, often in conjunction with agricultural and forestry perspectives. There is a growing awareness of the danger to botanical biodiversity and conservation from “emerging infectious diseases” that have increased in inc...

This rust disease of the native Meterosideros polymorpha also affects rose apple (Syzygium jambos) and has become a serious threat to Hawaii's forests since its first occurrence in 2005. The publication illustrates the symptoms and provides directions for assessing its severity and recording and reporting observations of it. A form for reporting ob...

Several species of Metrosideros (Myrtaceae), referred to as ohia in Hawaii, are endemic trees that comprise as much as 80% of the native Hawaiian forests. For centuries, these trees have provided niches for many indigenous and endangered plants and animals and are treasured by Hawaiians for their beauty and role in folklore and legends. During Apri...

ABSTRACT Ceratocystis fimbriata is a complex of many cryptic, host-specialized species that causes wilt and canker of woody species and rot diseases of storage roots and corms of many economically important plants worldwide. With the exception of the family Araceae, all confirmed hosts of C. fimbriata are dicotyledonous plants. We hypothesized that...

Introduction Linnaeus named palms "Principes," the princes of the plant world (15). This noble stature is reflected in the size of some species, with the largest leaves and seeds known in the plant kingdom found in the palm family. The leaves of Raphia regalis can reach 82 feet long (18), and the famous double coconut seed of Lodoicea maldivica can...

Individual and interactive effects of the pathogen complex, Rotylenchulus reniformis and Phytophthora palmivora, were investigated on papaya (Carica papaya) grown in greenhouse pots (10-cm-diam) for 3-4 months. P. palmivora was a more virulent pathogen than R. reniformis and caused moderate to severe mortality (27-73%) at an inoculum density of 1,0...

Radopholus similis is a serious pathogen affecting a wide range of plants grown in Hawaii. This publication is a thorough discussion of the problem and possibilities for its control.

Phytophthora isolates with deciduous long-pedicellate sporangia can be separated into two groups by isozyme analyses, but an apparent overlap in morphological characteristics was previously deemed as sufficient justification for inclusion of both groups in P. capsici with an expanded description of the species. However, the occurrence of two morpho...

Phytophthora isolates with deciduous long-pedicellate sporangia can be separated into two groups by isozyme analyses, but an apparent overlap in morphological characteristics was previously deemed as sufficient justification for inclusion of both groups in P. capsici with an expanded description of the species. However, the occurrence of two morpho...

Calonectria theae is distinguished from C. colhounii by perithecial color, number of ascospores in an ascus, longer stipes, longer conidia, and the formation of a second conidial type that is extraordinarily long, angular, and borne on simple, submerged, dichotomously branching conidiophores. Both species were isolated from ohia (Metrosideros colli...

Management of this fungal disease of desirable ornamental palms is described.

This fern is one of the most widely used in the florist industry. The fungal pathogens cause leaf spots, rots, and blights. The disease epidemiology and control are discussed.

In April 1995, bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L), severely infected with Leveillula taurica (Lev.) G. Arnaud, was observed on about 8 hectares of mature plants on the island of Oahu. Light chlorosis in mottled patterns appeared on lower leaves of nearly all of the plants and the abaxial leaf surface was covered by the fungus.\Necrotic older lesions,...

This publication is designed as a guide for quick identification of heliconia diseases found in Hawaii for heliconia farmers and other agricultural professionals.

Drench applications of the fungicide Benlate DF (dry flowable) or WP (wettable powder) in greenhouse studies resulted in stunted cucumber seedlings. Exposure of cucumber seedlings to suspension of Benlate DF or WP in sealed glass dishes, severely inhibited primary and secondary root development. Root inhibition occurred not only when seedlings were...

A new and destructive collar rot and foliar blight of Aglaonema commutatum in Hawaii was caused by Fusarium subglutinans. Collar rot was typified by chlorosis, wilting of older leaves, lodging of plants, and eventual plant death. Foliar blight started with elliptical dark leaf spots with chlorotic borders that expanded into petioles and stems. Root...

Leaf spot, blight, defoliation, and death of young plants of West Indian holly (Leea coccinea) in Hawaii were caused by Phytophthora meadii. Both green and red cultivars of Leea were diseased and shown to be highly susceptible to several isolates of P. meadii. This is a new host record for P. meadii and the first report of the fungus in the United...

This publication covers cultural practices, pests and diseases, and harvest and postharvest practices for fresh basil production in Hawaii.

Serious fruit and heart rots of coconut have been found on the major Hawaiian islands of Kauai, Oahu, Hawaii, and Maui. Early symptoms are dark fruit rots and premature loss of young nuts. A Phytophthora species is consistently associated with fruit rots. There is a high association of fruit rots and subsequent heart rot followed by tree death. Fru...

Grayish brown, nearly black, or reddish brown and zonate leaf spots on Forster sentry palm (Howeia forsterana) were shown to be caused by three species of Calonectria, namely, C. theae, C. colhounii, and C. crotalariae. Each of these fungi has a Cylindrocladium anamorph. Teleomorphic and anamorphic characteristics of isolates of all three species f...

Isolation and inoculation studies attempted to identify the cause of dracaena decline. Suspicion was cast on Pythium graminicola, but further studies were indicated as needed to resolve the decline problem.

Propagation and production of dendrobium as cut flowers and potted plants have increased markedly in the past 15 years. With increased production, floral diseases and their control have become major factors in determining total production and quality of blossoms. Serious dendrobium blossom blights are caused primarily by two fungi, Botrytis and Col...

Leaf loss and plant decline in some heliconia fields were investigated. A Cylindrocladium species was isolated and determined to be pathogenic. Experience in controlling C. spathiphylli on spathyphyllum suggested some control approaches, although fungicides had not been found effective. Further studies on the heliconia pathogen were indicated.

Several Ceratobasidium isolates (binucleate Rhizoctonia solani-like fungi), all in anastomosis group 7 (CAG-7), developed basidiospores in axenic agar culture. There was wide variation in reproductive capacities among isolates. Under conditions favorable for sporulation, the most prolific isolate produced 500-1500 × 103 spores/60 mm Petri dish cult...

Several Ceratobasidium isolates (binucleate Rhizoctonia solani-like fungi), all in anastomosis group 7 (CAG-7), developed basidiospores in axenic agar culture. There was wide variation in reproductive capacities among isolates. Under conditions favorable for sporulation, the most prolific isolate produced 500–1500 × 10³ spores/60 mm Petri dish cult...

Oospore distribution patterns in pairings between compatible isolates of Phytophthora capsici suggested mutual induction of oospore formation. Oogonia and oospores formed near the A2 colony were smaller than those developing near the A1 colony, suggesting that the smaller bodies were A2 products and the larger bodies were formed by A1. This interpr...

Oospore distribution patterns in pairings between compatible isolates of Phytophthora capsici suggested mutual induction of oospore formation. Oogonia and oospores formed near the A² colony were smaller than those developing near the A¹ colony, suggesting that the smaller bodies were A² products and the larger bodies were formed by A¹. This interpr...

UCHIDA, J. Y., and M. ARAGAKI. 1979. Etiology of necrotic flecks on Dendrobium blossoms. Phytopathology 69:1115-1117. Dark necrotic flecks are common on field-cultivated Dendrobium inoculation. A. alternata was the most frequently isolated organism. The flowers in Hawaii and are a significant factor in quality reduction. recovery rate of A. alterna...

Anthurium cultivar ‘Le‘ahi’, UH1211, is a dual purpose, light red and green bi-color selection. Anthurium ‘New Era’, UH1402, ushers in a new era of bacterial blight–resistant cut flowers suitable for screenhouse production.

Anthurium cultivar ‘Centennial’, UH1272, is a dual-purpose cut flower and potted plant selection named in celebration of 100 years of higher education in the Hawaiian Islands.

Field tests of this green and white obake anthurium selection UH1155 show it to be a desirable cutflower with year-round production of glossy spathes having excellent vase life.

‘Hokuloa’ is a new cut-flower anthurium and ‘Hilo Moon’ (UH1450) is a companion cultivar to the white anthurium ‘Hokuloa’ (UH1349).

Anthurium ‘Princess Aiko’ (UH1299) is a new, sweet scented, multipurpose cultivar. It is high yielding with bright, long lasting flowers carried above dark green foliage. Anthurium ‘Regina’ has a unique large purple flower similar in shape (lateral tulip) to ‘Princess Aiko’.

‘Maggie Inouye’ is a new light pink, tulip-type anthurium variety (UH1141). This novelty cut flower selection arose from a complex cross, involving several different species of Anthurium, that gave rise to lavender siblings ‘ARCS’ and ‘ARCS Hawaii’. The resulting flower is resistant to anthracnose and does not reflex as much as ‘ARCS’. ‘Mini Gem’ (...

In Hawaii, Phytophthora palmivora is a major fungal pathogen of orchids, causing large black foliar rots, root losses, and seedling damping-off of Dendrobium, Cattleya, Epidendrum, Vanda, Paphiopedilum, Laeliocattleya, and a few other intergeneric hybrids. Recently, it has also been associated with blossom spots and rots of Dendrobium and Vanda. Ph...

This paper identifies common bacterial disease symptoms on Dendrobium; discusses methods by which pathogenic bacteria feed and survive; and addresses disease control methods.

Short publication describing a new fungal disease of hibiscus cuttings in Hawaii.

Typescript. Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1984. Bibliography: leaves [82]-88. Photocopy. Microfilm. viii, 88 leaves, bound ill. 29 cm

Both Pythium splendens and Cylindrocladium spathiphylli were found on roots of spathyphyllum. Strict sanitation and other cultural control practices, in addition to fungicide applications, were recommended.

A leaf spot and blight of red and green leea (Leea coccinea, West Indian holly) observed at commercial nurseries was investigated. A persistent Phytophthora species new to Hawaii was isolated. Fungicides tested provided only limited control, so treatments need to be accompanied by cultural control options

The cause of leaf, petiole, collar, and cane rots of aglaonema in Hawaii was determined to be Fusarium subglutinans. A bacterial leaf rot was also investigated. Disease management advice is given.

Characteristics including annual flower yield of the cultivar releases are given.

Characteristics including annual flower yield of the cultivar release are given.

Characteristics including annual flower yield of the cultivar release are given.

Characteristics including annual flower yield of the cultivar release are given.

This rust disease of the native Meterosideros polymorpha and some other species has become a serious threat to Hawaii's forests since its first occurrence in 2005. The publication illustrates the symptoms and provides directions for assessing its severity and recording and reporting observations of it. Symptoms not associated with the rust are show...