Presence of false smut (Graphiola phoenicis (moug. ex fr.) poit.) on canary date palm (phoenix canariensis) on Easter Island, Chile

Graphiola phoenicis was found on leaves of Phoenix canariensis in Hanga Roa, Easter Island, Chile. Amphigenous black pulvinate basidiomata were abundant on the leaf blades and rachides, causing extensive foliar damage. The samples were examined by a light microscope after three days in a humid chamber. In addition, the molecular tools scanning electron microscopy and histological sectioning were used to study the fungal/host relationship, complementing the identification. Morphometric and molecular characteristics led to the identification of the fungus as Graphiola phoenicis causing false smut on the Canary date palms (Phoenix canariensis). This is the first report of this plant pathogen in Chilean territory.