A New Record to Rust Fungi of South Western Province Kandahar, Afghanistan

A rust fungus occurring on Centaurea iberica leaves from Arghandab district, southwestern province Kandahar Afghanistan is described and illustrated. A critical morphological and microscopical examination revealed it to be Puccinia calcitrapae. After conducting a literature survey, it was found that this fungus is the first record to be reported from southwestern province Kandahar. A detailed taxonomic description of this fungus along with its distribution is provided. Weeds cause serious problems in agriculture in Afghanistan especially in southwestern province Kandahar. These plants reduce yield and the quality of crops by competing for water, nutrients and sunlight. The improper or excessive usage of herbicides has led to development of resistance in some weed species while contaminating the environment; therefore, biological control has an increasing role as an alternative method for controlling special weed. Previous studies in other countries revealed that this rust fungus are good biological control agents for these weeds.