Fungi Seifertia sikhotensis – a new species, and Synnemapestaloides rhododendri – a new record for Russia, causing blight disease of Rhododendron brachycarpum subsp. fauriei in the Central Sikhote-Alin

Researchers have identified two fungal species affecting Rhododendron brachycarpum subsp. fauriei in the Central Sikhote-Alin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Seifertia sikhotensis, a newly described synnematous fungus, and Synnemapestaloides rhododendri, a first record for Russia. Both species form black synnemata that cause necrotic lesions on leaves, flower buds, and twigs. The study employed morphological analysis and multilocus sequence data (ITS+LSU+tef1-α) to characterize the fungi, providing detailed descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic comparisons. This work contributes to understanding fungal diversity, evolution, and ecological roles in wild rhododendrons, with implications for conservation efforts in Russia.

Malysheva, V. F., Dudka, V. A., Malysheva, E. F., & Bondarchuk, S. N. (2026). Fungi Seifertia sikhotensis – a new species, and Synnemapestaloides rhododendri – a new record for Russia, causing blight disease of Rhododendron brachycarpum subsp. fauriei in the Central Sikhote-Alin. Botanica Pacifica. https://doi.org/10.17581/bp.2026.15201