First report of the association of Neopestalotiopsis javaensis causing leaf spot and fruit rot of strawberry in the southern part of India
摘要
In April 2023, a severe leaf spot disease was observed on strawberry plants in the southern region of India. The disease exhibited characteristic symptoms, including small necrotic lesions with a gray center surrounded by a purplish-brown margin. Initially scattered, these lesions eventually coalesced, forming large necrotic areas that darkened over time. As the disease progressed, black-colored acervuli appeared on the necrotic portions. In addition to affecting the leaves, the disease extended to the fruits, leading to irregular spots that penetrated the fruit pulp, ultimately causing fruit rot. Morphological and molecular characterization confirmed the pathogen responsible for this disease as Neopestalotiopsis javaensis.