Comparison of macro-morphological and physiological methods for Monilinia species identification in Paraná State, Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this study was to characterize 93 isolates of Monilinia from stone fruit orchards of Paraná State Brazil, and make inferences concerning their physiological aspects. A synoptic key was utilized at 10 days after incubation for morphological characterization, which allowed us to identify three Monilinia species (M. laxa, M. fructigena and M. fructicola). Molecular analysis was later performed for isolates representative of the morphological species. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed only M. fructicola to be present for all isolates collected in Paraná State and contradicted the synoptic key identification. Additionally, isolates were tested physiologically in order to support Monilinia segregation. However, no significant differences were found among the isolates for optimum growth temperature and lesion size of inoculated pear fruit. We concluded that the synoptic key cannot segregate isolates of Monilinia species from southern Brazil and that PCR with specific primers was the best approach.