HOME JOURNALS CONTACT

International Journal of Plant Pathology

Year: 2020 | Volume: 11 | Issue: 1 | Page No.: 1-5
DOI: 10.3923/ijpp.2020.1.5
Neofusicoccum parvum Causing Eucalyptus Canker and Die-back Diseases in Ethiopia
Alemu Gezhagne Demissie, Wendu Admasu Darge and Giovanni Cafà

Abstract: Background and Objectives: Botryosphaeriaceae is comprised of fungal species that have a wide geographic distribution and extensive host range, including Eucalyptus spp. A large number of species have been reported from Eucalyptus spp. Neofusicoccum sp. are among the most aggressive members of Botryosphaeriaceae. The main objective of this research was to expand knowledge on Eucalyptus disease in Ethiopia by providing reliable information help for effective management of the diseases in the country. Materials and Methods: Survey of plantation forest diseases was made in Ethiopia during 2016 and 2017 growing seasons. Diseased samples with clear canker and dieback symptoms were collected from E. globulus and E. grandis plants surface sterilized and cultured on malt extract agar for identification. Four leaves/branch, 4 branches and one increment core from one tree/species were sampled for identification. Isolates were characterized based on the molecular sequence data, colony morphology and anamorph structures. Results: Fungal cultures developed abundant, aerial mycelium that became dark grey after 2-3 days. Black, globular pycnidia were formed on the surface of branch and main stem cultured using moist chamber method after 2 weeks. Conidia were aseptate, becoming septate or darker with age and fusiform. Conclusion: The result of cultural, conidial morphology and molecular sequence analysis data of the fungus revealed the diseases symptoms observed on the Eucalyptus tree species were due to Neofusicoccum parvum. This study confirms that Neofusicoccum sp. are currently among fungal pathogens seriously affecting the quality and quantity of Eucalyptus tree plantation in Ethiopia.

Fulltext PDF Fulltext HTML

How to cite this article
Alemu Gezhagne Demissie, Wendu Admasu Darge and Giovanni Cafà, 2020. Neofusicoccum parvum Causing Eucalyptus Canker and Die-back Diseases in Ethiopia. International Journal of Plant Pathology, 11: 1-5.

© Science Alert. All Rights Reserved