Phytoparasitica (2014) 42, 189-197

Mara Quaglia, Chiaraluce Moretti and Roberto Buonaurio (2014)
Molecular characterization of Diplodia seriata, a new pathogen of Prunus laurocerasus in Italy
Phytoparasitica 42 (2), 189-197
Abstract: Twig cankers and diebacks were observed on cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus L.) hedges located in a private garden of Perugia (Central Italy). Four fungal isolates, forming gray colonies and aerial mycelium, were obtained from cankers. For each isolate, Koch's postulates were fulfilled by inoculating cherry laurel plants. Based on cultural characteristics, rep-PCR and phylogenetic analyses on ITS and EF1-α nucleotides sequences, the isolates were identified as Diplodia seriata De Not. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of D. seriata as a new pathogen of P. laurocerasus. The severe symptoms and the wide distribution of the host plant make the pathogen potentially dangerous for this ornamental species.
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Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Mara Quaglia, Chiaraluce Moretti, Roberto Buonaurio

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Diplodia seriata	Prunus (genus - other than fruit trees)	Italy