Morphological and Phylogenetic Resolution of Diplodia neojuniperi Emerging Diplodia Top Dieback of Pinus thunbergii Parl. in China

In Bazhong City, Sichuan Province, China, top dieback symptoms were found on many pine trees (Pinus thunbergii Parl). The tips of old needles first turned grayish-green and then developed into brown bands in the field. Phylogenetic analysis concatenated ITS EF1-α indicated pathogen this disease as Diplodia neojuniperi. Additionally, effects temperature, pH medium mycelial growth also characterized. most favorable temperature level for are 25°C 8, respectively. optimal is PDA medium. To our knowledge, report D. neojuniperi causes Pinus thunbergii. Our results provide fundamental information monitoring preventing such future.