Threats and Stressors in progress

Cactus Fungal Pathogen (Alternaria sp.)

November 1, 2021
This page provides information on the cactus dieback that was recently (2021) discovered on cactus (Opuntia littoralis) at a nursery in San Pasqual Valley and one restoration site sourced with the nursery cactus in Bandy Canyon. Recent findings from the Department of Plant Pathology, UC Davis pathogenicity tests show that the most frequent fungal species on the diseased cactus are a variety of Alternaria species. The plant pathology lab will next conduct greenhouse experiments to evaluate the effect of environmental factors such as humidity and water availability on disease severity. Information from this study will be used to develop best management practices for land mangers.
Project Focus

coastal pricklypear

San Diego Association of Governments

San Diego Management and Monitoring Program

AECOM; City of San Diego Public Utilities; Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Davis

Sarah McCutcheon

Kris Preston

File name Lead Author Year Type
Cacti Comparison June and Aug 2021 Wehinger, Kim 2021 other
Discovery of a New Plant/Pathogen Relationship in San Diego County Dunn, Jonathan 2021 powerpoint presentation
Dunn_Fusarium SDMMP 16 SEPT Land Mangers Dunn, Jonathan 2021 powerpoint presentation
Elucidating the Causes of Opuntia littoralis Decay in Native Nurseries and Restoration Sites in Southern California Acker, Sophia; Arndt-Truong, Dimitri; Kashyap, Ruchika; Matthews, Derrick; Del Castillo Múnera, Johanna 2023 other
Photo Progression - Cactus Fungal Pathogen (Fusarium brachygibbosum) Wehinger, Kim 2021 other