scholarly journals First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Podosphaera xanthii on Sechium edule in Korea

Plant Disease ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 99 (1) ◽  
pp. 162-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Y. Choi ◽  
S. S. Cheong ◽  
J. H. Joa ◽  
S. E. Cho ◽  
H. D. Shin

Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw. (Cucurbitaceae, chayote, mirliton) is native to Mexico and Central America. Several trials have recently been conducted to determine the ability of chayote cultivars to grow under the climatic and soil conditions of South Korea. In April 2013, chayote plants were observed showing typical symptoms of powdery mildew in a glasshouse in Jeju City, Korea. Powdery mildew colonies were circular to irregular, forming white patches on both sides of the leaves. As the disease progressed, entire leaves were covered with white mycelium, followed by leaf withering and premature senescence. The same symptoms were also found on chayote plants in a polyethylene-film-covered greenhouse in Iksan City, Korea, in 2014. Voucher specimens were deposited in the Korea University Herbarium (KUS-F27289, F27422, F28186). Hyphae were flexuous to straight, branched, septate, and 5 to 7 μm wide. Appressoria on the mycelium were nipple-shaped or nearly absent. Conidiophores were straight, 150 to 240 × 10 to 12 μm and produced three to seven immature conidia in chains with a crenate outline. Foot-cells of conidiophores were straight, cylindric, and 52 to 85 μm long. Conidia were hyaline, ellipsoid-ovoid to barrel-shaped, measured 27 to 36 × 16 to 23 μm with a length/width ratio of 1.3 to 2.0, and had distinct fibrosin bodies. Simple to forked germ tubes were produced from the lateral position of conidia. No chasmothecia were found. These structures are typical of the powdery mildew Euoidium anamorph of the genus Podosphaera. Dimensions of foot-cells and conidia were within the ranges provided for P. xanthii (Castagne) U. Braun & Shishkoff, and the length/width ratio of conidia, appressorial characteristics, and conidial germination patterns also conformed to the standard description (2). To confirm the identification, the complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA of isolate KUS-F27289 was amplified with primers ITS1 and ITS4 and sequenced directly. The resulting 473-bp sequence was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KM657960). A GenBank BLAST search of the Korean isolate showed 99% similarity with P. xanthii isolates from cucurbitaceous hosts (e.g., AB774155 to AB774158, AB040321, JQ340082, etc.). Pathogenicity was confirmed through inoculation tests by gently pressing a diseased leaf onto young leaves of three asymptomatic, potted chayote plants. Three non-inoculated plants were used as controls. Plants were maintained in a greenhouse at 24 to 34°C. Inoculated leaves started to develop symptoms after 5 days, whereas the control plants remained symptomless. The pathogenicity test was carried out twice with similar results. Powdery mildews of chayote caused by Podosphaera species have been reported in Australia, South Africa, Portugal, India, China, and the United States (1,3,4). To our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew caused by P. xanthii on chayote in Korea. Since chayote production was only recently started on a commercial scale in Korea, powdery mildew infections may pose a serious threat to the safe production of this vegetable. References: (1) P. Baiswar et al. Australas. Plant Dis. Notes 3:160, 2008. (2) U. Braun and R. T. A. Cook. Taxonomic Manual of the Erysiphales (Powdery Mildews), CBS Biodiversity Series No. 11. CBS, Utrecht, 2012. (3) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases. Syst. Mycol. Microbiol. Lab. Online publication, ARS, USDA, Retrieved October 4, 2014. (4) R. Singh et al. Plant Dis. 93:1348, 2009.

Plant Disease ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 98 (4) ◽  
pp. 571-571 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. H. Xing ◽  
C. Liang ◽  
S. E. Cho ◽  
H. D. Shin

Japanese spiraea (Spiraea japonica L.f.), belonging to Rosaceae, is widely planted for its ornamental value in China. Since July 2011, powdery mildew infections on leaves and stems of Japanese spiraea have been noticed in some parks and gardens of Chengyang District in Qingdao City, China (GPS coordinates 36°31′04.22″ N, 120°39′41.92″ E). Symptoms first appeared as white spots covered with mycelium on both side of the leaves and young stems. As the disease progressed, abundant mycelial growth covered the whole shoots and caused growth reduction and leaf distortion with or without reddening. A voucher specimen was deposited in the herbarium of Qingdao Agricultural University (Accession No. HMQAU13013). Hyphae were flexuous to straight, branched, septate, 5 to 7 μm wide, and had nipple-shaped appressoria. Conidiophores arising from the upper surface of hyphal cells produced 2 to 5 immature conidia in chains with a crenate outline. Foot-cells of conidiophores were straight, 60 to 125 × 7 to 9 μm, and followed by 1 to 2 shorter cells. Conidia were ellipsoid-ovoid to doliiform, measured 25 to 32 × 12 to 15 μm with a length/width ratio of 1.8 to 2.6, and had distinct fibrosin bodies. Chasmothecia were not found. The structures and measurements were compatible with the anamorphic state of Podosphaera spiraeae (Sawada) U. Braun & S. Takam. as described before (1). The identity of HMQAU13013 was further confirmed by analysis of nucleotide sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions amplified using the primers ITS1/ITS4 (4). The resulting 564-bp sequence was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KF500426). A GenBank BLAST search of complete ITS sequence showed 100% identity with that of P. spiraeae on S. cantoniensis (AB525940). A pathogenicity test was conducted through inoculation by gently pressing a diseased leaf onto five healthy leaves of a potted Japanese spiraea. Five non-inoculated leaves served as controls. The plants were maintained in a greenhouse at 22°C. Inoculated leaves developed typical symptoms of powdery mildew after 5 days, but the non-inoculated leaves remained symptomless. The fungus presented on the inoculated plant was morphologically identical to that originally observed on diseased plants, fulfilling Koch's postulates. Powdery mildew of S. japonica caused by P. spiraeae has been recorded in Japan, Poland, and Switzerland (2,3). To our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew caused by P. spiraeae on Japanese spiraea in China. References: (1) U. Braun and R. T. A. Cook. Taxonomic Manual of the Erysiphales (Powdery Mildews), CBS Biodiversity Series No.11. CBS, Utrecht, 2012. (2) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases, Systematic Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory, ARS, USDA. Retrieved from http://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/ September 10, 2013. (3) T. Kobayashi. Index of Fungi Inhabiting Woody Plants in Japan. Host, Distribution and Literature. Zenkoku-Noson-Kyoiku Kyokai Publishing Co. Ltd., Tokyo, 2007. (4) S. Matsuda and S. Takamatsu. Mol. Phylogenet. Evol. 27:314, 2003.


Plant Disease ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 98 (9) ◽  
pp. 1278-1278 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. E. Cho ◽  
J. H. Park ◽  
S. H. Hong ◽  
I. Y. Choi ◽  
H. D. Shin

Agastache rugosa (Fisch. & C.A. Mey.) Kuntze, known as Korean mint, is an aromatic plant in the Lamiaceae. It is widely distributed in East Asian countries and is used as a Chinese traditional medicine. In Korea, fresh leaves are commonly added to fish soups and stews (3). In November 2008, several dozen Korean mints plants growing outdoors in Gimhae City, Korea, were found to be severely infected with a powdery mildew. The same symptoms had been observed in Korean mint plots in Busan and Miryang cities from 2008 to 2013. Symptoms first appeared as thin white colonies, which subsequently developed into abundant hyphal growth on stems and both sides of the leaves. Severe disease pressure caused withering and senescence of the leaves. Voucher specimens (n = 5) were deposited in the Korea University Herbarium (KUS). Appressoria on the mycelium were nipple-shaped or nearly absent. Conidiophores were 105 to 188 × 10 to 13 μm and produced 2 to 4 immature conidia in chains with a sinuate outline, followed by 2 to 3 cells. Foot-cells of the conidiophores were straight, cylindrical, slightly constricted at the base, and 37 to 58 μm long. Conidia were hyaline, ellipsoid to barrel-shaped, measured 25 to 40 × 15 to 23 μm (length/width ratio = 1.4 to 2.1), lacked distinct fibrosin bodies, and showed reticulate wrinkling of the outer walls. Primary conidia were obconically rounded at the apex and subtruncate at the base. Germ tubes were produced at the perihilar position of conidia. No chasmothecia were observed. The structures described above were typical of the Oidium subgenus Reticuloidium anamorph of the genus Golovinomyces. The measurements and morphological characteristics were compatible with those of G. biocellatus (Ehrenb.) V.P. Heluta (1). To confirm the identification, molecular analysis of the sequence of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of isolate KUS-F27200 was conducted. The complete ITS rDNA sequence was amplified using primers ITS5 and P3 (4). The resulting 514-bp sequence was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KJ585415). A GenBank BLAST search of the Korean isolate sequence showed >99% similarity with the ITS sequence of many G. biocellatus isolates on plants in the Lamiaceae (e.g., Accession Nos. AB307669, AB769437, and JQ340358). Pathogenicity was confirmed by gently pressing diseased leaf onto leaves of five healthy, potted Korean mint plants. Five non-inoculated plants served as a control treatment. Inoculated plants developed symptoms after 7 days, whereas the control plants remained symptomless. The fungus present on inoculated plants was identical morphologically to that observed on the original diseased plants. The pathogenicity test was repeated with identical results. A powdery mildew on A. rugosa caused by G. biocellatus was reported from Romania (2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew caused by G. biocellatus on A. rugosa in Korea. The plant is mostly grown using organic farming methods with limited chemical control options. Therefore, alternative control measures should be considered. References: (1) U. Braun and R. T. A. Cook. Taxonomic Manual of the Erysiphales (Powdery Mildews), CBS Biodiversity Series No. 11. CBS, Utrecht, 2012. (2) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases. Syst. Mycol. Microbiol. Lab., online publication, USDA ARS, retrieved 17 February 2014. (3) T. H. Kim et al. J. Sci. Food Agric. 81:569, 2001. (4) S. Takamatsu et al. Mycol. Res. 113:117, 2009.


Plant Disease ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 98 (7) ◽  
pp. 1013-1013 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Y. Choi ◽  
B. S. Kim ◽  
S. E. Cho ◽  
J. H. Park ◽  
H. D. Shin

Gypsophila paniculata L. (baby's breath, family Caryophyllaceae), native to Central and Eastern Europe, is commonly cultivated as a commercial cut flower crop in greenhouses in Korea. Since 2011, baby's breath cv. Cassiopeia has been observed affected by a powdery mildew with nearly 100% disease incidence at the stage of harvesting in Iksan City. Powdery mildew colonies first appeared as thin white patches on stems and both sides of the leaves. As disease progressed, plants were covered with dense masses of spores, followed by senescence and reduction of quality of cut flowers. A voucher specimen was deposited in the Korea University Herbarium (Accession KUS-F27313). Appressoria were well-developed, multilobed or moderately lobed, and single or opposite in pairs. Conidiophores were straight, 95 to 150 × 7 to 10 μm, and composed of 3 to 4 cells. Foot-cells were cylindric or slightly sinuous at the base and 37 to 53 μm long. Singly produced conidia were cylindrical to oblong-elliptical, 35 to 56 × 12.5 to 18 μm with a length/width ratio of 2.1 to 3.6, devoid of fibrosin bodies, and with angular/rectangular wrinkling of outer walls. Germ tubes were in the perihilar position on conidia, and ended with lobed appressoria. No chasmothecia were found. These structures are typical of the Pseudoidium anamorph of the genus Erysiphe. Specific measurements and host range were consistent with those of E. buhrii U. Braun (2). To confirm identification, the complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA of isolate KUS-F27313 was amplified with primers ITS1/ITS4, and sequenced directly. The resulting 725-bp sequence was deposited in GenBank (KJ530705). A GenBank BLAST search of the Korean isolate showed 99% similarity with E. buhrii on Acanthophyllum sp. (Caryophyllaceae) from Iran (AB128924). Pathogenicity was confirmed through inoculation by gently dusting conidia onto leaves of five healthy, potted baby's breath cv. Cassiopeia. Five non-inoculated plants served as controls. Inoculated plants were isolated from non-inoculated plants in separate rooms in a greenhouse at 25 ± 2°C. Inoculated plants developed signs and symptoms after 7 days, whereas the control plants remained symptomless. The fungus present on the inoculated plants was identical morphologically to that originally observed on diseased plants. Pathogenicity test was repeated twice. The powdery mildew disease caused by E. buhrii on baby's breath has been recorded in the former Soviet Union (Armenia, Kazakhstan, Ukraine), Romania, Turkey, Iran, Mongolia, and Argentina (1,3). Also, a fungus occurring on baby's breath was recorded as Oidium sp. from Japan (4). To our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew caused by E. buhrii on baby's breath in Korea. Powdery mildew infections pose a serious threat to production of this cut flower crop. References: (1) K. Amano. Host Range and Geographical Distribution of the Powdery Mildew Fungi. Japan Scientific Societies Press, Tokyo, 1986. (2) U. Braun and R. T. A. Cook. Taxonomic Manual of the Erysiphales (Powdery Mildews), CBS Biodiversity Series No. 11. CBS, Utrecht, 2012. (3) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases. Syst. Mycol. Microbiol. Lab., Online publication, ARS, USDA, Retrieved February 18, 2014. (4) M. Satou et al. Ann. Phytopathol. Soc. Jpn. 62:541, 1996.


Plant Disease ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. 426-426
Author(s):  
K. S. Han ◽  
S. E. Cho ◽  
J. H. Park ◽  
H. D. Shin

Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium (L.) Hoffm.), belonging to the family Apiaceae, is an aromatic annual herb that is native to the Caucasus. It is widely used as a flavoring agent for culinary purposes. This herb was recently introduced in Korea. In April 2013, plants showing typical symptoms of powdery mildew disease were observed in a polyethylene film-covered greenhouse in Seoul, Korea. White mycelium bearing conidia formed irregular patches on leaves and stems. Mycelial growth was amphigenous. Severe infections caused leaf withering and premature senescence. Voucher specimens were deposited in the Korea University Herbarium (KUS). Hyphae were septate, branched, with moderately lobed appressoria. Conidiophores presented 3 to 4 cells and measured 85 to 148 × 7 to 9 μm. Foot-cells of conidiophores were 37 to 50 μm long. Conidia were produced singly, oblong-elliptical to oblong, measured 30 to 50 × 13 to 18 μm with a length/width ratio of 2.0 to 3.3, lacked conspicuous fibrosin bodies, and with angular/rectangular wrinkling of the outer walls. Germ tubes were produced in the subterminal position of conidia. Chasmothecia were not found. These structures are typical of the powdery mildew Pseudoidium anamorph of the genus Erysiphe. The specific measurements and morphological characteristics were consistent with those of E. heraclei DC. (1). To confirm identity of the causal fungus, the complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA of KUS-F27279 was amplified with primers ITS5 and P3 (4) and sequenced directly. The resulting 561-bp sequence was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KF111807). A GenBank BLAST search of this sequence showed >99% similarity with those of many E. heraclei isolates, e.g., Pimpinella affinis (AB104513), Anethum graveolens (JN603995), and Daucus carota (EU371725). Pathogenicity was confirmed through inoculation by gently pressing a diseased leaf onto leaves of five healthy potted chervil plants. Five non-inoculated plants served as a control treatment. Plants were maintained in a greenhouse at 22 ± 2°C. Inoculated plants developed signs and symptoms after 6 days, whereas the control plants remained healthy. The fungus present on the inoculated plants was identical morphologically to that originally observed on diseased plants. Chervil powdery mildews caused by E. heraclei have been reported in Europe (Bulgaria, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Romania, Switzerland, and the former Soviet Union) and the United States (2,3). To our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew caused by E. heraclei on chervil in Asia as well as in Korea. The plant is cultivated in commercial farms for its edible leaves in Korea. Occurrence of powdery mildew is a threat to quality and marketability of this herb, especially those grown in organic farming where chemical control options are limited. References: (1) U. Braun and R. T. A. Cook. Taxonomic Manual of the Erysiphales (Powdery Mildews), CBS Biodiversity Series No. 11, CBS, Utrecht, 2012. (2) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases, Syst. Mycol. Microbiol. Lab., Online publication. ARS, USDA. Retrieved July 29, 2013. (3) S. T. Koike and G. S. Saenz. Plant Dis. 88:1163, 2004. (4) S. Takamatsu et al. Mycol. Res. 113:117, 2009.


Plant Disease ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 97 (11) ◽  
pp. 1514-1514 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. H. Joa ◽  
B. N. Chung ◽  
K. S. Han ◽  
S. E. Cho ◽  
H. D. Shin

In March 2013, papaya (Carica papaya L. cv. Sunrise) plants growing in polyethylene-film-covered greenhouses in Agricultural Research Center for Climate Change located in Jeju City, Korea, were observed severely affected by a powdery mildew. Symptoms appeared as circular to irregular white patches on both sides of the leaves. As the disease progressed, the plants were covered with dense masses of the spores, eventually causing senescence and withering of leaves. Voucher specimens were deposited in the Korea University Herbarium (KUS). Hyphae were flexuous to straight, branched, septate, and 5 to 8 μm wide. Conidiophores were 110 to 250 × 10 to 12.5 μm and produced 2 to 5 immature conidia in chains with a crenate outline followed by 2 to 3 cells. Foot-cells of conidiophores were straight, cylindric, slightly constricted at the basal septum, and 55 to 110 μm long. Conidia were hyaline, ellipsoid-ovoid, measured 22 to 38 × 18 to 21 μm with a length/width ratio of 1.2 to 1.8, and had distinct fibrosin bodies. Chasmothecia were scattered or partly clustered, dark brown, spherical, 80 to 100 μm in diameter, and each contained a single ascus. Appendages were mycelioid, 1- to 5-septate, brown at the base and becoming paler. Asci were sessile, 72 to 87 × 52 to 68 μm, had a terminal oculus of 17 to 23 μm wide, and contained 8 ascospores, each 17 to 23 × 12.5 to 15 μm. The morphological characteristics and measurements were consistent with those of Podosphaera xanthii (Castagne) U. Braun & Shishkoff (1). To confirm the identification, the complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA of KUS-F27269 was amplified with the primers ITS5/P3 and sequenced (3). The resulting 443 bp sequence was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KF111806). The Korean isolate showed >99% similarity with those of many P. xanthii isolates including an isolate on papaya from Taiwan (GU358450). Pathogenicity was confirmed through inoculation tests by gently pressing a diseased leaf onto young leaves of three asymptomatic, potted seedlings (cv. Sunrise). Three non-inoculated seedlings were used as control. Inoculated plants were isolated from non-inoculated plants in separate rooms in a greenhouse at 26 to 30°C. Inoculated leaves developed symptoms after 7 days, whereas the control plants remained symptomless. The fungus present on the inoculated leaves was identical morphologically to that observed on the original diseased leaves, fulfilling Koch's postulates. Powdery mildews of papaya caused by Podosphaera species including P. caricae-papayae have been reported in North America, South America, Hawaii, Africa, Ukraine, Australia, New Zealand, the Cook Islands, India, Thailand, Taiwan, and Japan (2,4). P. caricae-papayae is currently reduced to synonymy with P. xanthii (1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew caused by P. xanthii on papaya in Korea. Though papaya is a minor crop in Korea, producing about 300 M/T annually in greenhouses, powdery mildew disease is a threat to safe production of the fruits. References: (1) U. Braun and R. T. A. Cook. Taxonomic Manual of the Erysiphales (Powdery Mildews), CBS Biodiversity Series No. 11, CBS, Utrecht, 2012. (2) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases. Syst. Mycol. Microbiol. Lab., Online publication, ARS, USDA, retrieved April 9, 2013. (3) S. Takamatsu et al. Mycol. Res. 113:117, 2009. (4) J. G. Tsay et al. Plant Dis. 95:1188, 2011.


Plant Disease ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 97 (8) ◽  
pp. 1118-1118
Author(s):  
S. E. Cho ◽  
J. H. Park ◽  
S. K. Lee ◽  
C. H. Shin ◽  
H. D. Shin

Hibiscus mutabilis L., known as cotton rose, is a deciduous shrub native to China. Horticultural varieties of the species are widely planted throughout the world (4). In September 2012, typical powdery mildew symptoms on the cotton rose were observed in a public garden of Jeju City, Korea. Powdery mildew colonies were circular to irregular white patches on both sides of the leaves and also on young stems and sepals. As the disease progressed, white mycelial growth covered the entire shoot portion, causing leaf distortion. In the middle of November, numerous chasmothecia were formed on the lesions. Voucher specimens (n = 4) were deposited in the Korea University Herbarium (KUS). Hyphal appressoria were only swollen part of hyphae or occasionally nipple-shaped. Conidiophores were 140 to 275 × 10 to 11.5 μm and produced 2 to 8 immature conidia in chains with a crenate outline. Foot-cells of conidiophores were straight, 30 to 65 μm long, and cylindric. Conidia were hyaline, ellipsoid-ovoid, and measured 27 to 42 × 17.5 to 21 μm with a length/width ratio of 1.5 to 2.4, and had distinct fibrosin bodies. Chasmothecia were amphigenous, cauligenous, 85 to 110 μm in diameter, and contained one ascus each. Peridium cells of chasmothecia were irregularly polygonal, large, and 15 to 38 μm wide. Appendages were mycelioid, 1- to 6-septate, brown at the base, and becoming paler. Asci were sessile, oval to broadly fusiform, with terminal oculus of 15 to 20 μm wide. Ascospores numbered eight per ascus were ellipsoidal, 19 to 25 × 14 to 16 μm. The morphological characteristics were consistent with previous records of P. xanthii (Castagne) U. Braun & Shishkoff (1). To confirm the identification, the complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA from isolate KUS-F27134 was amplified with the primers ITS5 and P3 and sequenced (3). The resulting sequence of 477 bp was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KC460208). The Korean isolate showed >99% similarity with dozens of sequences of P. xanthii ex cucurbitaceous hosts (e.g., JQ912061, JQ409565, HM070403, etc.) as well as Podosphaera sp. ex H. mutabilis from Japan (AB040308). Pathogenicity was confirmed through inoculation tests by gently pressing diseased leaves onto young leaves of three asymptomatic, potted 2-year-old seedlings. Three non-inoculated seedlings were used as controls. Plants were maintained in a greenhouse at 24 to 30°C. Inoculated leaves developed symptoms after 7 days, whereas the control plants remained symptomless. The fungus present on the inoculated leaves was morphologically identical to that observed on the original diseased leaves, fulfilling Koch's postulates. Powdery mildew infections of H. mutabilis associated with P. xanthii (including P. fuliginea in broad sense) have been known in China, Japan, and Taiwan (1,2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew caused by P. xanthii on H. mutabilis in Korea. Since Jeju, the southmost island of Korea, is the only habitat of cotton rose in Korea and is the northmost natural habitat in Asia, powdery mildew is a new threat to the health of wild populations of cotton rose. References: (1) U. Braun and R. T. A. Cook. Taxonomic Manual of the Erysiphales (Powdery Mildews), CBS Biodiversity Series No.11. CBS, Utrecht, 2012. (2) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases. Syst. Mycol. Microbiol. Lab., Online publication, ARS, USDA, retrieved January 18, 2013. (3) S. Takamatsu et al. Mycol. Res. 113:117, 2009. (4) D. A. Wise. J. Hered. 64:285, 1973.


Plant Disease ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 98 (3) ◽  
pp. 421-421 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. H. Zhao ◽  
H. H. Xing ◽  
C. Liang ◽  
X. Y. Yang ◽  
S. E. Cho ◽  
...  

Chinese cabbage, Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis (syn. Brassica pekinensis (Lour.) Rupr.), in the Brassicaceae, is an important vegetable grown on about 3 million ha in China. Since 2012, a powdery mildew has been found infecting Chinese cabbage plants (cv. Qingyanchunbai No. 1) after bolting for seed production from autumn through spring 2013 in a greenhouse in Qingdao, China. Symptoms first appeared as circular to irregular white patches on both sides of the leaves, and on stems and pods, often thinly covering the whole surface. A voucher specimen was deposited in the herbarium of Qingdao Agricultural University (Accession No. HMQAU12216). Hyphae were thin-walled, smooth, hyaline, and 4 to 6 μm wide. Appressoria on the mycelia were well developed, lobed, solitary, or in pairs. Conidiophores were erect, cylindrical, 45 to 110 μm long, and comprised 3 to 4 cells. Foot-cells of conidiophores were straight, cylindrical, 16 to 28 μm long, and 7.6 to 10 μm wide. Singly-produced conidia were oblong to cylindrical or somewhat ellipsoid-doliiform, 32 to 56 × 12 to 18 μm, with a length/width ratio of 1.8 to 3.8, with angular/rectangular wrinkling of the outer wall surface, and lacked distinct fibrosin bodies. Germ tubes were produced in the perihilar position of conidia. No chasmothecia were found. These structures are typical of the powdery mildew Pseudoidium anamorph of Erysiphe (2). The specific measurements and characteristics (especially short foot-cells of conidiophores) were consistent with previous records of Erysiphe cruciferarum Opiz ex L. Junell (2,3). To confirm the identification, the complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA of isolate HMQAU12216 was amplified (4) and sequenced directly. The resulting 649-bp sequence was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KC878683). A GenBank BLAST search of ITS sequences showed an exact match with those of E. cruciferarum on B. oleracea var. acephala (GU721075) and Oidium sp. on B. pekinensis (AB522714). A pathogenicity test was conducted by gently pressing a symptomatic leaf loaded with conidia onto a leaf of each five, healthy, potted, 40-day-old plants (cv. Qingyanchunbai No. 1). Five non-inoculated plants served as a control treatment. Inoculated plants were isolated from non-inoculated plants in separate rooms in a greenhouse at 20 ± 2°C. Inoculated plants developed signs and symptoms after 10 days, whereas the control plants remained symptomless. The fungus present on the inoculated plants was identical morphologically to that originally observed on diseased plants, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. Though many Brassica spp. have been known to be infected with E. cruciferarum throughout the world, powdery mildew of Chinese cabbage caused by E. cruciferarum has been reported only in Finland, Germany, and Korea (1,3). To our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew caused by E. cruciferarum on Chinese cabbage in China. Though occurrence of the powdery mildew on Chinese cabbage was noticed in an experimental breeding plot, this finding poses a potential threat to production of this vegetable in China. References: (1) U. Braun. The Powdery Mildews (Erysiphales) of Europe. Gustav Fischer Verlag, Jena, Germany, 1995. (2) U. Braun and R. T. A. Cook. Taxonomic Manual of the Erysiphales (Powdery Mildews), CBS Biodiversity Series No. 11. CBS, Utrecht, 2012. (3) H. J. Jee et al. Plant Pathol. 57:777, 2008. (4) S. Matsuda and S. Takamatsu. Mol. Phylogen. Evol. 27:314, 2003.


Plant Disease ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 97 (10) ◽  
pp. 1382-1382 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Liang ◽  
H. H. Xing ◽  
Z. Liu ◽  
S. E. Cho ◽  
H. D. Shin

Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii (Mast.) Makino, known as Chinese lantern, belonging to Solanaceae, is cultivated for its fruits of medicinal value in East Asia (4). Since July 2010, a powdery mildew has been continuously observed on this plant in Shenyang City in northeastern China. More than 90% of the plants in a garden were affected. Symptoms first appeared as circular to irregular white patches, which progressed to abundant mycelial growth on both sides of leaves and young stems. In the middle of August, chasmothecia were formed abundantly, especially on the lower leaf surface. Voucher specimens were deposited in the herbarium of Qingdao Agricultural University (HMQAU10014, 12047, and 12144). Conidiophores produced 2 to 5 conidia in chains with a sinuate outline, followed by 2 to 3 cells. Foot-cells of conidiophores were straight and 46 to 65 × 9 to 11 μm. Conidia were ellipsoid to barrel-shaped, 26 to 32 × 13 to 15.5 μm, lacked distinct fibrosin bodies, and produced germ tubes on the subterminal position. Chasmothecia were amphigenous, also cauligenous, 100 to 140 μm across, and contained 10 to 25 asci. Appendages were mycelioid, 0.5 to 4 times as long as the chasmothecial diameter, and 1- to 3-septate. Asci were short-stalked, 45 to 64 × 26 to 34 μm, and contained two ascospores of 18 to 25 × 12.5 to 15 μm. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA was amplified (3) and sequenced. The resulting 600-bp sequence was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KC488260). A GenBank BLAST search of complete ITS sequence showed 100% identity with that of Golovinomyces orontii on P. alkekengi var. franchetii (AB077647 ex Japan) and >99% similarity with those of G. magnicellulatus on Phlox paniculata (AB077621 ex Japan, AF011303 ex the United States, and GU945756 and GU945757 ex Korea). G. orontii is currently confined to the Golovinomyces isolates on Cichorioideae (1). On the basis of the morphological characteristics and ITS sequence data, the fungus was identified as G. magnicellulatus var. magnicellulatus (U. Braun) V.P. Heluta (1). It was already noted that Golovinomyces isolates on Physalis and Phlox are phylogenetically close each other (3). A pathogenicity test was conducted by gently pressing a diseased leaf onto leaves of five healthy Chinese lanterns. Five non-inoculated plants served as controls. Inoculated plants developed symptoms after 8 days, whereas the control plants remained symptomless. The fungus present on the inoculated plants was morphologically identical to that originally observed on diseased plants, fulfilling Koch's postulates. Powdery mildews of Chinese lantern associated with Golovinomyces species have been known in Korea and Japan (2). A Korean material of Golovinomyces sp. on P. alkekengi var. franchetii was identified as G. magnicellulatus var. magnicellulatus based on morphological characteristics and 100% ITS sequence identity with a Chinese isolate (Shin, unpublished data). To our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew caused by G. magnicellulatus var. magnicellulatus on Chinese lantern in China. References: (1) U. Braun and R. T. A. Cook. Taxonomic Manual of the Erysiphales (Powdery Mildews), CBS Biodiversity Series No.11. CBS, Utrecht, 2012. (2) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases. Syst. Mycol. Microbiol. Lab., Online publication, ARS, USDA, retrieved March 22, 2013. (3) S. Matsuda and S. Takamatsu. Mol. Phylogen. Evol. 27:314, 2003. (4) Y. Zheng et al. Phytochem. Anal. 23:337, 2012.


Plant Disease ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 88 (6) ◽  
pp. 681-681
Author(s):  
A. Garibaldi ◽  
D. Bertetti ◽  
M. L. Gullino

Aquilegia flabellata Sieb. and Zucc. (columbine) is a perennial garden species belonging to the family Ranunculaceae. During the summer of 2003, a severe outbreak of a previously unknown powdery mildew was observed in several gardens near Biella (northern Italy). Upper surfaces of leaves were covered with a white mycelium and conidia, and as the disease progressed infected leaves turned yellow and died. Foot cell was cylindric and appressorium lobed. Conidia were hyaline, ellipsoid, and measured 31.2 to 47.5 × 14.4 to 33 μm (average 38.6 × 21.6 μm). Fibrosin bodies were not present. Cleistothecia were globose, brown, had simple appendages, ranged from 82 to 127 (average 105) μm in diameter, and contained one to two asci. Ascocarp appendages measured five to eight times the ascocarp diameter. Asci were cylindrical (ovoidal) and measured 45.3 to 58.2 × 30.4 to 40.2 μm. Ascospores (three to four per ascus) were ellipsoid or cylindrical and measured 28.3 to 31.0 × 14.0 to 15.0 μ;m. On the basis of its morphology, the pathogen was identified as Erysiphe aquilegiae var. aquilegiae (1). Pathogenicity was confirmed by gently pressing diseased leaves onto leaves of five, healthy A. flabellata plants. Five noninoculated plants served as controls. Inoculated and noninoculated plants were maintained in a garden where temperatures ranged between 20 and 30°C. After 10 days, typical powdery mildew symptoms developed on inoculated plants. Noninoculated plants did not show symptoms. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of powdery mildew on Aquilegia flabellata in Italy. E. communis (Wallr.) Link and E. polygoni DC. were reported on several species of Aquilegia in the United States (2), while E. aquilegiae var. aquilegiae was previously observed on A. flabellata in Japan and the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (3). Specimens of this disease are available at the DIVAPRA Collection at the University of Torino. References: (1) U. Braun. Nova Hedwigia, 89:700, 1987. (2) D. F. Farr et al. Fungi on Plants and Plant Products in the United States. The American Phytopathological Society, St Paul, MN, 1989. (3) K. Hirata. Host Range and Geographical Distribution of the Powdery Mildews. Faculty of Agriculture, Niigata University, 1966.


Plant Disease ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 97 (3) ◽  
pp. 422-422
Author(s):  
Y. J. Choi ◽  
K. S. Han ◽  
J. H. Park ◽  
H. D. Shin

Persian buttercup (Ranunculus asiaticus L.) is an ornamental plant cultivated mainly in the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, and has recently become popular in Korea. During March and April 2012, Persian buttercups ‘Elegance’ showing symptoms of downy mildew were found in plastic greenhouses in Hwaseong City of Korea. Infection resulted in chlorotic leaves with a dark greyish and dense fungal-like growth on the lower surfaces, and finally led to necrosis of the lesions. A sample was deposited in the Korea University herbarium (KUS-F26431). Conidiophores emerging from stomata were hyaline, 250 to 550 × 7 to 15 μm, straight, and dichotomously branched in 6 to 8 orders. Ultimate branchlets were mostly in pairs, slightly curved, 5 to 15 μm long, and had obtuse tips. Conidia were brown, broadly ellipsoidal to subglobose or ellipsoidal, often pedicellated, and measured 24 to 33 × 20 to 27 μm with a length/width ratio of 1.15 to 1.30. Fourteen species of Peronospora have previously been described on the genus Ranunculus (2), of which P. ficariae was mostly considered the causal agent of downy mildew on Persian buttercup (1,3). The present Korean accession is morphologically distinct from P. ficariae on R. ficaria (a synonym of Ficaria verna) by somewhat larger conidia with often pedicel-like ends. The nuclear ribosomal LSU and ITS regions were PCR-amplified and sequenced as described in Göker et al. (4), and the resulting sequences deposited in GenBank (Accession Nos. KC111207 and JX465737, respectively). A comparison with the GenBank sequences revealed that the present Korean pathogen differed from P. ficariae on R. ficaria at 10 of 688 characters (about 1.5%) in LSU (AF119600) and 11 of 802 characters (about 1.4%) in ITS sequences (unpublished sequence). In addition, the ITS sequence exhibits a dissimilarity of 1.5 to 2.0% from three species of Peronospora parasitic on Ranunculus; P. alpicola on R. aconitifolius (AY198271), P. illyrica on R. illyricus (AY198268), and P. ranunculi on R. acris (AY198267) and R. recurvatus (AY198269). Based on morphological and molecular distinction between P. ficariae and the Korean pathogen, we provisionally indicate this pathogen as an undetermined species of Peronospora. Pathogenicity was demonstrated by shaking diseased leaves onto the leaves of healthy Persian buttercup ‘Elegance’, incubating the plants in a dew chamber at 20°C for 24 h, and then maintaining them in a greenhouse (20 to 24°C and relative humidity 60 to 80%). After 3 to 4 days, inoculated plants developed downy mildew symptoms, from which an identical fungus was observed, thus fulfilling Koch's postulates. Control plants treated with sterile water did not develop any symptoms of downy mildew. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a downy mildew on Persian buttercup in Asia, although this disease has been found in other continental countries, such as Italy (1), New Zealand, South Africa, and the United States (3). The presence of a downy mildew on Persian buttercup in Asia can be considered as a potentially new and serious threat to commercial production of this ornamental plant. References: (1) E. Buonocore and R. Areddia. Informatore Fitopatologico 49:25, 1999. (2) O. Constantinescu. Thunbergia 15:1, 1991. (3) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases, Syst. Mycol. Microbiol. Lab., Online publication, ARS, USDA, Retrieved August 4, 2012. (4) M. Göker et al. Mycol. Res. 113:308, 2009.


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