Reactions of Solanaceous Species toPseudocercospora fuligena,the Causal Agent of Tomato Black Leaf Mold

Abstract

A total of 137 accessions representing 26 species and five genera of solanaceous plants were inoculated with Pseudocercospora fuligena, the causal agent of tomato black leaf mold, under controlled conditions (growth room) and in the field. Twenty of 26 species developed symptoms after inoculation under controlled conditions. Black nightshade (Solanum nigrum) developed symptoms when inoculated under controlled conditions, but not in the field. Ground cherry (Physalis sp.), five Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivars, and eight tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) lines remained symptomless following inoculation both under controlled conditions and in the field. Of 40 pepper accessions representing four species of Capsicum tested under controlled conditions, 32 developed lesions and eight were symptomless. Of 33 eggplant (Solanum melongena) accessions and related species representing seven Solanum spp. tested under controlled conditions, 24 developed symptoms and nine were symptomless. Two commercial eggplant cultivars, Pingtung Long and Farmers Long, were highly susceptible under controlled conditions and in the field. Among 46 Lycopersicon accessions representing 10 species that were evaluated, accessions of L. esculentum were the most susceptible and accessions of L hirsutum were the most resistant. Five Lycopersicon spp., three Solanum spp., and four Capsicum spp. are reported as new hosts of P. fuligena.