Technical Abstract: "First reports" document pathogenic organisms on novel hosts or in novel geographic locales. Oidium ericinum on Leucothoe, Leveillula taurica on Gaillarida x grandiflora, and Erysiphe knautiae on Scabiosa columbaria are examples of recent and novel disease outbreaks costly to ornamental nurseries, and documented by first reports. Such host-fungus records are of prime importance in diagnosing plant diseases, as attested by a series of statements from professional diagnosticians from around the United States. Several electronic or print sources of prior host-fungus records are specified, distinguishing between those sources that are open access and those available only on a subscriber basis. Recommendations are made for a variety of peer-reviewed venues for publishing such records, with the additional recommendation that abundant illustrations accompany published reports for purposes of aiding diagnoses. New records should be published in peer-review venues, to promote speedy incorporation into public databases. Subsequent publication can utilize trade journals or extension bulletins.