Molecular Identification and Pathogenicity of Diaporthe eres and D. hongkongensis (Diaporthales, Ascomycota) Associated with Cherry Trunk Diseases in China

This study aimed to identify fungal species associated with trunk diseases of sweet cherries (Prunus avium) in several commercial cherry orchards Beijing, Guizhou and Shandong provinces, China. In total, eighteen strains that fitted well into the concept Diaporthe were isolated. Based on both morphological multi-locus phylogenetic analyses internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), beta-tubulin (tub-2), calmodulin (Cal) translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1–α) sequencing data, fourteen isolates identified as eres, while four classified D. hongkongensis. Here, we report hongkongensis causing branch dieback disease and, further, confirmed host association eres A pathogenicity assay revealed ability cause shoot necrosis stem lesions Prunus avium cv. ‘Brooks’ (mean lesion lengths 1.86 cm 1.56 cm, respectively). The optimal temperature for growth was tested. 30 °C, 25–28 °C temperatures most favorable strains. research advances understanding fruit crops, particularly gummosis Chinese orchards, will aid growers making decisions about cultural practices management.