Cladosporium Species: The Predominant Species Present on Raspberries from the U.K. and Spain and Their Ability to Cause Skin and Stigmata Infections

Raspberry (Rosales: Rosaceae) production in the U.K. has moved rapidly last 10 years to under polythene, combined with a reduced availability of broad-spectrum fungicides. Hence, incidence previously less prevalent diseases, such as Cladosporium (Capnodiales: Cladosporiaceae), largely increased. This study aimed identify predominant species on raspberry and understand nature its infection fruit. Raspberries were collected from farms across Spain incubated; fungal isolates then isolated typical lesions identified level based sequences trans elongation factor α actin genes. cladosporioides (Fres) de Vries was confirmed responsible for infecting fruit close harvest Spain, being present 41.5% 84.6% Spanish subsequently inoculated at different developmental stages C. determine susceptibility skin stigmata infections relation stage. Only ripening ripe raspberries susceptible Cladosporium, resulting lesions. can colonise earlier development future research is required if could cause subsequent lesion infections. provided necessary epidemiological information develop effective management measures against species.