Alternaria alternata causes pre-harvest discolouration in Backhousia myrtifolia leaf

Backhousia myrtifolia is an Australian native plant cultivated for cut flowers and foliage. A leaf browning syndrome, with unknown cause, became problematic for the floriculture industry in the years 2003-2004. Alternaria alternata was isolated consistently from brown leaf lesions on potted nursery plants and pathogenicity was confirmed by Koch's postulates. This is the first report of A. alternata on B. myrtifolia that is a possible cause of leaf discolouration in B. myrtifolia. © 2011 Australasian Plant Pathology Society Inc