Blister-like malformations on tea seedlings

Abstract

A condition resembling blister blight of tea on tea seedlings in quarantine was reported from New Guinea and although the causal fungus was not seen associated with the blisters it was felt that the malformation could have resulted from infection by the fungus which was prevented from sporulation by adverse climatic conditions. Similar malformations on tea seedlings have been observed in Ceylon and India and this article endeavours to show that they are in no way connected with the blister blight fungal disease of tea and to allay fears that the blister blight disease is seed-borne.