Diseases of Black Wattle in South Africa—A Review

SYNOPSIS Black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) is an economically important plantation tree in many parts of the world. In South Africa it is mainly planted for the production of tannins and high quality pulp. Wattle trees are affected by various diseases, some of which have led to devastating losses and the termination of planting programmes. The potential threat of new black wattle diseases in South Africa is of concern. The threat of disease is enhanced by the fact that A. mearnsii is planted in monoculture. This review provides a summary of A. mearnsii diseases caused by fungi, with special reference to the South African situation.