Leaf Extract Agar Research Articles

EFFECT OF CULTURE MEDIA ON GROWTH AND SPORULATION OF Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (SACC AND MAGN) ISOLATES CAUSING ANTHRACNOSE OF FIELD BEAN

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) is the most important fungal disease affecting field bean. Growth and sporulation of thirty six isolates of C. lindemuthianum collected from five agro-climatic zones of Andhra Pradesh was evaluated in the year 2017-18 on four different solid and liquid culture media. Results revealed that potato dextrose agar was the best for both radial growth (66.74 mm) and dry mycelial weight (264.74 mg), whereas, host leaf extract agar significantly supported more sporulation 7.3 x104. The least mycelia growth of 39.32 mm, dry mycelial weight of 234.70 mg and sporulation 2.9 x104 were observed on Sabourband’s agar. Among the different isolates, Cl-33 grew fast with mycelial growth and sporulation (78.86 mm and 8.4x104) and Cl-32 produced the highest dry mycelial weight 266.75 mg). The least radial growth (31.35 mm), the lowest sporulation (4.1 x104) and lowest mycelial dry weight (227.75 mg) was recorded in CI-28, CI-1 and CI 17, respectively. Mean conidial length of 36 isolates ranged from 11.87 to 13.03 µm with the maximum length (13.03 µm) recorded in host leaf extract agar, while minimum was recorded in oat meal agar. Width of conidia varied from 3.59 to 4.11 µm on different media and 3.53 to 4.23 µm in different isolates.The growth phase study revealed that increase in the dry mycelial weight of fungus upto 15 days of incubation and growth declined from 17th day onwards.

Performance of leaf extract media in culturing mycorrhizal mushroom mycelium

In-vitro culture of mycorrhizal mushroom (MM) species in southern Africa remains largely unexplored, particularly using tree-derived media. In this study, a Julbernardia globiflora [(Benth.) Troupin] leaf infusion was tested for its ability to promote MM mycelial growth. Amanita loosii, Cantharellus miomboensis and Cantharellus heinemannianus isolates were incubated at a pH of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 and at 25 °C in six leaf extract agar (LEA) infusion concentrations of 150, 175, 200, 225 or 250 grams of leaves/L distilled water, with potato dextrose agar (PDA) as a standard. We determined mycelium growth rates for all treatment combinations. Mycelium growth rate was found to be optimal at a pH between 4 and 6 in all leaf infusion concentrations tested. Significant (p<0.001) linear regressions of A. loosii and C. miomboensis were found for pH only (R2=0.837 and 0.8582, respectively) and a significant (p<0.001) regression was found for C. heinemannianus (R2=0.293). Amanita loosii and C. heinemannianus had faster (p<0.001) growth in PDA than in LEA, while C. miomboensis had similar growth rates in the two media. Growth characteristics observed were attributed to acid phosphatase mediated physiological processes in mycelium for the different MM species with an optimum pH of 4–6. MM mycelia were white, mycelia for A. loosii and C. miomboensis were loose and for C. heinemannianus were thin filaments. LEA proved to be a potential alternative medium for culturing MM species. Significance: A novel miombo tree extract medium was tested with three miombo mycorrhizal mushrooms. Our findings show the new medium to be a possible alternative to, but not as viable as, potato dextrose agar. The findings of this study widen the scope of use for the forest tree derived media and demonstrate the cultivability of miombo mycorrhizal mushroom species. Our findings improve the possibility of enhancing food security through culturing and possibly cultivating the less explored African mycorrhizal mushrooms.

Cultural Characteristics of Rhizoctonia solani Causing Sheath Blight of Rice

Sheath blight of rice caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn is emerging as a very destructive disease causing heavy yield losses. The present study was conducted at Department of Plant pathology, JNKVV, College of Agriculture, Rewa, (M.P.) with eight culture media viz., Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), Czapek’s Dox Agar (CDA),Richards medium (RMA), Corn Meal Agar (CMA), Oat meal agar (OMA), Rice leaf extract agar (30%),Rice seed extract agar (10%) and Rice seed extract (10%)+ (2%) sucrose were evaluated against R. solani. It can be concluded that Potato dextrose agar (88.0 mm) and Czapek’s dox agar (87.7 mm) medium supported maximum mycelial growth of R. solani isolated from rice. Whereas, least mycelial growth (75.8 mm) was observed in Rice seed extract agar and Richards agar medium. Mycelial growth was excellent fast, abundant and off white on Potato dextrose agar. Whereas it was fast, abundant and on Czapek’s dox agar. Sclerotia of the fungus initiated within 3 - 4 days in different culture media. Maximum number of sclerotia was produced in Oat meal agar (54.0) closely followed by Potato dextrose agar (51.2) and Czapek’s dox agar (44.6). Maximum weight of 10 sclerotia was recorded in potato dextrose agar (1030.6 mg) followed by Czapek’s dox agar (920.3 mg) and Oat meal agar (884.7 mg). Maximum size of sclerotia were formed in Potato dextrose agar followed by Rice seed extract agar and Corn meal agar.

Cultural, Morphological and Cross Infectivity of Lasiodiplodia Theobromae Causing Fruit Rot of Jackfruit

Jackfruit fruit rot incited by Lasiodiplodia theobromae is the most serious disease of jackfruit. The pathogen cultural and morphological characteristics, and the exploration of cross infectivity investigated. Typical symptoms of Lasiodiplodia fruit rot of jackfruit were detected in pathogenicity tests on both naturally and artificially contaminated jackfruit fruits. Small regions of brownish lesions were initially noticed on the syncarp (outer skin) of mature jackfruits, either singularly or in a scattered manner. On varied medium, Lasiodiplodia theobromae grew with a consistent degree of variance. The highest radial growth of L. theobromae (90 mm) was recorded on potato dextrose agar medium, malt extract agar medium, and host plant leaf extract agar medium, among the solid media tested. A cross-infection investigation indicated that the jackfruit pathogen L. theobromae might infect different fruits and vegetables, including banana, cashew, cocoa, guava, lemon, papaya, sapota, bread fruit, brinjal, cucumber, raddish, and tomato.

Temperature and Humidity Regulate Sporulation of Corynespora cassiicola That Is Associated with Pathogenicity in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.).

Cucumber target leaf spot, caused by Corynespora cassiicola, is an emerging disease with a high incidence that causes severe damage to cucumbers on a global scale. Therefore, efforts need to be undertaken to limit the spread and infection of this pathogen, preferably by using environmentally friendly methods. In this study, the effects of temperature and moisture on the sporulation of C. cassiicola were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The novelty of our study refers to the observation of spore production and size as well as the revelation of a correlation between spore size and virulence. On potato dextrose agar (PDA) and cucumber-leaf extract agar (CEA), temperature played a critical role in spore production, which was strongly influenced by both temperature and moisture on detached leaves and cucumber seedlings. Maximum spore production was found at 30 °C on PDA and 25 °C on CEA, cucumber detached leaves and living plants. Lower spore productions were observed with a stepwise change of 5 °C. In addition, the largest spore production was found at 100% relative humidity (RH) in comparison to the other tested moisture. Moreover, moisture was found to be the most important factor affecting spore size, accounting for 83.09-84.86% of the total variance in length and 44.72-73.10% of the total variance in width. The longest-narrowest spores were formed at 100% RH, and the shortest-widest spores were formed at 75% RH. Furthermore, the result showed that larger spores of C. cassiicola were more virulent and small spores were avirulent. Our findings will contribute to the development of new strategies for the effective alleviation and control of cucumber target leaf spot.

Effect of different culture media on growth characteristics of Cercospora beticola sacc, causing cercospora leaf spot of beetroot

Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) is a versatile crop; it can be grown in any season. It is also known as table beet, garden beet, and sugar beet. Beetroot crop is affected by number of fungal diseases. Cercospora leaf spot is the most devastating foliar disease caused by Cercospora beticola. Fungi grow on diverse habitat; it requires different specific elements for their growth and development in in vitro. In the present investigation three different culture media viz., Beetroot leaf extract agar media, Richards’s agar media, and Potato dextrose agar media were tested against cercospora beticola to evaluate the effect of different culture media on growth characters of Cercospora beticola. The fungi showed difference in growth development when grown on different cultural media. Results obtained that the best fungal growth was observed in Richard’s agar media and the minimum growth was observed in potato dextrose agar media.

Physiological and nutritional variability of different Pyricularia grisea isolates isolated from various hosts inciting blast disease of rice

Different isolates of Pyricularia grisea from rice (RPg), Panicum grass (PPg) and finger millet (FPg) were isolated for variability study of the pathogen. Pyricularia grisea was grown on nine different solid media viz., Potato dextrose agar, Potato sucrose agar, Czapek’s dox agar, Sabouraud agar, Richard’s medium, Potato carrot agar, Panicum leaf extract agar, Rice leaf extract agar and Oat meal agar to study the cultural characteristics of the pathogen. Oat meal agar supported maximum radial growth (83.33 mm) followed by Potato dextrose agar (70.17 mm) and Potato carrot agar (66.17 mm) in case of rice blast. In case of P. grisea from Panicum and finger millet, PDA supported highest radial growth of 84.00 mm and 82.50 mm respectively followed by Potato sucrose agar (83.33 mm and 80.33 mm) respectively. Highest radial growth of the pathogen (70.13 mm) was found at 30 0C followed by 25 0C (61.88 mm). Sodium nitrate produced highest growth of mycelial dry weight (12079.0 mg) followed by ammonium oxalate (4971.0 mg).

Isolation, pathogenicity and suitability of different culture media on growth and sporulation of Alternaria solani (ELL. & MART.) Inciting early blight disease of tomato

Early blight is the most common and destructive disease of tomato plants caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. Six culture media were used in this study, namely PDA, Glucose Peptone Yeast Agar, Malt Extract Agar, Tomato Leaf Extract, Oatmeal Agar and Dox Czapek agar extract and evaluated the suitability of the culture medium for fungal growth. It has been noted that PDA and Tomato Leaf Extract Agar promotes pathogen development through the formation of radial growth of 9.0 cm and mainly 8.5 cm within 10 DAI. Oatmeal agar also appeared to be the best medium after PDA and Tomato Leaf Extract Agar followed by Czapek's Dox Agar. The least supported medium was glucose peptone agar with radial growth of fungi of only 4.00 cm. The colony ranged in color from white, cream and olive green to black. When sporulated, oat agar and potato dextrose agar showed excellent sporulation. While on Tomato Leaf Extract Agar and Czapek Dox Agar it was bad.

In-vitro evaluation of different culture media for the growth of Alterneria cucumerina var. cyamopsidis caused Alternaria leaf spot of clusterbean

A laboratory study was conducted to study the effect of seven solid culture media, viz., Potato Dextrose agar, Czapek’s-Dox agar, Richard’s agar, Corn meal agar, Sabouraud’s agar, Guar leaf extract and Oat meal agar on the growth rate of test pathogen Alternaria cucumerina var. cyamopsidis caused alternaria leaf spot of clusterbean. The maximum mycelium growth was recorded in potato dextrose agar media at 3, 5 and 7 Day after inoculation respectively and it was significantly superior over other tested media while the minimum growth was recorded on corn meal agar at 3, 5 and 7 days respectively.

Assessment of Maize (Z<i>ea mays</i> L.) <i>Exserohium Turcicum</i> (Pass.) Leonard and Sugg. Isolates on Different Culture Media in Tanzania

Morphological characteristics of twenty five isolates of E. turcicum collected from Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Morogoro, Iringa, Njombe and Mbeya Regions in Tanzania were studied in four solid media namely; V8 vegetable juice agar, malt extract agar, maize leaf extract agar and potato dextrose agar. The experiment was conducted twice and replicated three times (3 replicate × 25 isolates × 4 media) for each medium, making a total of 300 plates. The inoculated cultures were arranged in a Complete Randomized Design (CRD) and incubated at 25±1°C. The statistically significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) in colony growth, conidia germination, dry mycelial weight and rate of sporulation on the four solid media indicated the possibility of different strains of E. turcicum in the studied areas. However, colony growth was aggressive in V8 juice agar (5.7 cm) but conidia germination and rate of sporulation were high in malt extract agar. No isolate of E. turcicum germinated or sporulated on PDA. Isolates such as KHK10, KHK18, KHN17, KHN3, KMM18 (Kilimanjaro Region), MMU13 and MRI4 (Mbeya Region), INM8 (Iringa Region) and MMM18 from Morogoro Region significantly yielded more colony growth, conidial germination, sporulation and dry mycelia compared to the other isolates. Molecular studies are needed to confirm the genetic variations amongst the isolates for sustainable maize breeding in Morogoro, Tanzania.

In vitro Determination of Fungicide Inhibitory Concentration for Phakopsora pachyrhizi isolates

ABSTRACT In vitro assays were preformed to obtain the IC50 of eight fungicides against Phakopsora pachyrhizi isolates from Passo Fundo, RS, Ponta Grossa, PR, and Primavera do Leste, MT. Different concentrations of the fungicides were added to Petri dishes containing soybean leaf extract agar medium. One milliliter of P. pachyrhizi uredospore suspension at the concentration of 3.0 x 104 uredospores/mL was added to each dish for subsequent viability quantification. Only pyraclostrobin and the mixture trifloxystrobin + prothioconazole showed IC50 values inferior to 1.0 mg/L for all tested isolates, demonstrating high fungitoxicity. There was not loss of sensitivity to any of the tested fungicides.

Effect of culture media and temperature on growth and sporulation of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum of urdbean in vitro

Anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindemuthianum) fungus is an important in the urdbean legumes crop. In the present investigation, the rate of growth of Anthracnose (C. lindemuthianum) has been compared in various temperature, culture media solid and liquid while in case solid media types viz., simple PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar), Potato carrot sucrose agar, Carrot juice agar, Blackgram leaf extract agar, Richard’s agar, Czapeck’s (Dox) agar, Asthana and Hawker’s agar had tested. Among all the solid media tested, maximum mycelial growth was obtained in Potato dextrose agar medium (80.04 mm), which was statistically at par with Richard’s agar medium (76.52 mm).Similarly in the liquid media, maximum dry mycelial weight was recorded in Richard’s broth medium (444.34 mg) after 10 days of inoculation which was significantly superior over rest of the broth medias and followed potato dextrose agar broth (429.03 mg). Temperature plays an important role in infection and disease development. Maximum mean colony diameter of fungus was recorded at temperatures of 30 C (80.92 mm) and 25 C (78.62 mm) which was significantly superior over all other temperatures. Lowest mean colony diameter was obtained at temperatures of 10 C (24.01 mm) and 40 C (21.37 mm). This is important for further study of disease management. How to view point the article : Sardhara, M.J., Davara, D.K., Moradia, A.M. and Kapadiya, H.J. (2016). Effect of culture media and temperature on growth and sporulation of Colletotrichum lindemuthianum of urdbean in vitro. Internat. J. Plant Protec., 9(1) : 47-51.

Morphological and cultural characters of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causing anthracnose of pomegranate

In vitro studies on morphological and cultural characters of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides was carried out in the Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, Osmanabad during the year 2011-12. The culture of C. gloeosporioides exhibited diversity with respect to cultural characters like type of the growth, mycelial colour, pigmentation and sporulation on different media. The maximum radial growth of C. gloeosporioides was recorded on potato dextrose agar (90.00 mm), followed by oat meal agar (86.00 mm), host leaf extract agar (81.60 mm), Richards's agar (80.60 mm), malt extract agar (80.40mm) and Sabouraud dextrose agar (80.00mm). The least radial growth was recorded in Czapek (Dox) agar (74.60 mm).The nonsynthetic/semi synthetic media recorded maximum growth compared to synthetic media. Mycelium colour varied from white to black. The growth varied from flat, raised fluffy to sparse. Pigmentation in the media also varied from brown to black and light pink to orange. Sporulation also showed greater variation in different media, ranging from excellent to poor sporulation. Excellent sporulation was recorded on potato dextrose agar and moderate sporulation in Oatmeal agar and Richards's agar. Poor sporulation was recorded in malt extract agar and Czapek (Dox) agar.

In vitro effect of substrate, temperature and photoperiod on Phakopsora pachyrhizi urediniospore germination and germ tube growth

In vitro experiments were conducted to assess the effects of substrate, temperature and time of exposure to temperature and photoperiod on P. pachyrhizi uredospore germination and germ tube growth. The following substrates were tested: water-agar and soybean leaf extract-agar at different leaf concentrations (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 g of leaves and 15g agar/L water), temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35oC) and times of exposure (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 hours) to temperature and 12 different photoperiods. The highest germination and germ tube length was found for the soybean leaf extract agar. Maximum P. pachyrhizi uredospore germination was obtained at 21.8 and 22.3°C, and maximum germ tube growth at 21.4 and 22.1°C. The maximum uredospore germination was found at 6.4 hours exposure, while the maximum germ tube length was obtained at 7.7 h exposure. Regarding photoperiod, the maximum spore germination and the maximum uredospore germ tube length were found in the dark. Neither spore germination nor uredospore germ tube growth was completely inhibited by the exposure to continuous light.

Cultural and morphological variability among the Isolates of Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler, incitant of fruit rot of chilli

Cultural and morphological variability studies on seven different media viz. , potato dextrose agar, host leaf extract agar, host fruit extract agar, oatmeal agar, Richards' agar, Czapek's Dox agar and Rose Bengal agar revealed considerable variation among the isolates of A. alternata indicated the existence of variability in the pathogen. Moreover, Oatmeal agar and potato dextrose agar were found as an excellent media to support the growth and spore formation of isolates of A. alternata , respectively. In case of isolates, Ahmedabad isolate (Aa-7) (61.90 mm) and Rajkot isolate (Aa-8) (61.71 mm) were at par in supporting the mycelium growth and Anand isolate (Aa-1) supports the sporulation abundantly. Among eight isolates of A. alternata , distinct differences in terms of conidial length, breadth, beak length and number of septa were recorded. The average conidial length varied from 16.93 to 59.24 μm and breadth ranges from 6.90 to 14.98 μm with beak length of 3.25 to 44.07 μm. The transverse and longitudinal septa varied from 2 to 10 and 0 to 4, respectively. In the present studies, glaring differences in conidial size were noticed among the isolates even when same medium was used for the growth of the isolates. It can be assumed that variation in the isolates may be inherent since isolates were collected from diverse agroclimatic zones of Gujarat. Hence, these variations in the conidial size indicated the existence of variability in this pathogen.

Variability of Pestalotia spp. with special reference to the effect of media, temperature and light on their growth, sporulation and spore germination

Potalo dextrose and mango leaf extract agar media were found to be the most favourable for mycelial growth of <i>Pestalotia</i> spp. The optimum temperature for growth and sporulation was 25°C. Continuous light promoted mycelial growth and continuous darkness retarded it. The maximum percentage of germinated spores was obtained under intermittent daylight conditions. Germination of <i>Pestalotia</i> spores occurred at various stages of maturity. The percentage of germination decreased with the increase of the storage period in the host tissues, and after 12 months spores lost their viability completely. Mycelia in the same infected tissues, however, were found to be still alive and capable of producing new fructifications till 18 months. Morphological characters of the fungus, and mode of spore germination were also investigated.

The effect of local fungicides on conidial germination of Spilocaea oleagina in Palestine

Olive leaf spot (OLS) disease or peacock disease is caused by the fungus Spilocaea oleagina, it is the most destructive disease on olive trees in most regions of Palestine. The disease is controlled by application of copper containing fungicides. Currently, there are more than 20 different fungicides sold in the Palestinian market. The efficacy of these fungicides was not tested on OLS in Palestine. The aim of this work was to test the efficacy of three major fungicides used against the disease. Fungicide solutions containing Fungran, Copper Antracol, and Kocide®101 were prepared by dissolving 0.5 g of each in 200 ml distilled water (DW) according to manufacturer instruction. Five leaves infected with OLS were soaked in each solution for 30 min. Control leaves were placed in 200 ml DW. Leaves were then placed in 9 cm petri dishes containing 3 ml DW to provide high humidity (> 85%). Each day, one leaf was removed, washed in DW and cut into one-cm2 pieces. Leaf pieces holding OLS conidia were printed on olive leaf extract agar media. Results showed that after 24h of fungicide treatment, Kocide®101 was the most effective fungicide followed by Copper Antracol and Fungran with percent conidial germination 2.08, 2.9 and 25.5%, respectively. Interestingly, Fungran efficacy after 48h (2.8% germination) was higher but not significantly different than Kocide®101 and Copper Antracol. This study showed that the efficacy of the three commonly used fungicides against OLS disease in Palestine diminished after four days of treatment. Further studies are needed to test the efficacy of these fungicides under field conditions for a better control planning of peacock disease in Palestine.

The effect of local fungicides on conidial germination of Spilocaea oleagina in Palestine

Olive leaf spot (OLS) disease or peacock disease is caused by the fungus Spilocaea oleagina, it is the most destructive disease on olive trees in most regions of Palestine. The disease is controlled by application of copper containing fungicides. Currently, there are more than 20 different fungicides sold in the Palestinian market. The efficacy of these fungicides was not tested on OLS in Palestine. The aim of this work was to test the efficacy of three major fungicides used against the disease. Fungicide solutions containing Fungran, Copper Antracol, and Kocide®101 were prepared by dissolving 0.5 g of each in 200 ml distilled water (DW) according to manufacturer instruction. Five leaves infected with OLS were soaked in each solution for 30 min. Control leaves were placed in 200 ml DW. Leaves were then placed in 9 cm petri dishes containing 3 ml DW to provide high humidity (> 85%). Each day, one leaf was removed, washed in DW and cut into one-cm2 pieces. Leaf pieces holding OLS conidia were printed on olive leaf extract agar media. Results showed that after 24h of fungicide treatment, Kocide®101 was the most effective fungicide followed by Copper Antracol and Fungran with percent conidial germination 2.08, 2.9 and 25.5%, respectively. Interestingly, Fungran efficacy after 48h (2.8% germination) was higher but not significantly different than Kocide®101 and Copper Antracol. This study showed that the efficacy of the three commonly used fungicides against OLS disease in Palestine diminished after four days of treatment. Further studies are needed to test the efficacy of these fungicides under field conditions for a better control planning of peacock disease in Palestine.

Influence of substrates, light, filter paper and pH on the sporulation of Cercospora sojina

Fungi require special substrates for their isolation, vegetative growth and sporulation. In experiments conducted in the laboratory, the influence of substrates, light, filter paper and pH on the sporulation of Cercospora sojina conidia, the causal agent of soybean frogeye leaf spot, was assessed. The media potato sucrose agar, V-8 agar, tomato extract agar, soybean leaf extract agar, soybean seed extract agar, soybean meal agar, soybean flour agar and wheat flour agar were tested, added on the surface, with and without filter paper and under two light regimes, with 12 h light at 25°± 2°C and in the dark. A triple factorial 8x2x2 (substrates x light/dark x with/without filter paper) design with four replicates was used. V-8 agar medium was employed and the pH was adjusted with HCl 0.1N or NaOH 0.1N before autoclaving to the values: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, and the pH of V-8 agar medium is 6.7. The evaluation was done on the seventh day of incubation. Data underwent regression analysis. Sporulation was maximized on the agar media V-8, seed extract, oat flour, tomato extract, and potato sucrose in the presence of filter paper and 12h light. On V-8 medium, maximal sporulation was obtained with pH 6.7.

First Report of Leaf Spot Caused by Phoma multirostrata on Fuchsia × hybrida in Italy.

Fuchsia × hybrida (Onagraceae) is widely used in gardens and very much appreciated as a potted plant. During the summer of 2008, a severe foliar disease was observed on 1- to 2-year-old plants in several gardens located near Biella (northern Italy). Small necrotic spots were observed on the upper and lower sides of infected leaves. Spots enlarged to form round areas of 2 to 12 mm in diameter and were well defined by a brown-purple margin at temperatures between 15 and 25°C. Severely infected leaves wilted and abscised as disease progressed. The disease occurred on 100% of the plants and at least 30% of the leaf surface was affected. Stems and flowers were not affected by the disease. A fungus was consistently isolated from infected leaves on potato dextrose agar amended with 25 mg/liter of streptomycin. The fungus was grown on leaf extract agar, including 30 g of autoclaved fuchsia leaves per liter, and maintained at 22°C (12-h light, 12-h dark). After 30 days, black pycnidia 150 to 450 μm in diameter developed, releasing abundant hyaline, elliptical, nonseptate conidia measuring 5.6 to 14.3 (10.3) × 1.9 to 5.6 (3.5) μm. On the basis of these morphological characteristics, the fungus was identified as a Phoma sp. (2). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA of the isolate coded FuHy1 was amplified using primers ITS4/ITS6 (3) and sequenced. BLAST analysis (1) of the 488-bp segment obtained showed an E-value of 0.0 with Phoma multirostrata. The nucleotide sequence has been assigned GenBank Accession No. GU220539. Pathogenicity tests were performed by spraying leaves of healthy 6-month-old potted Fuchsia × hybrida plants with a spore and mycelial suspension (1 × 106 spores or mycelial fragments per milliliter). Noninoculated plants sprayed with water served as controls. Five plants were used for each treatment. Plants were covered with plastic bags for 5 days after inoculation and kept under greenhouse conditions at 20 to 24°C. Symptoms previously described developed on leaves 12 days after inoculation, whereas control plants remained healthy. The fungus was consistently reisolated from the lesions of the inoculated plants. The pathogenicity test was carried out twice. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the presence of P. multirostrata on fuchsia in Italy as well as worldwide. The importance of the disease is still limited in Italy.