Stem canker of dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus): Neocytalidium sp. is the new cause of the disease and its control using the sodium salt

This study aimed to isolate and characterize fungal pathogen associated with stem canker on dragon fruit evaluate the efficacy of sodium salt as alternative control against it. The was isolated identified using morphological cultural methods. SMNND11 ARPN11 isolates which are morphologically alike Neocytalidium sp. were selected for present study. colony's mycelial mass greyish white turned dark greenish grey. shape arthroconidia ellipsoid ovoid hyaline brown septate arthrospores. hyphae have a color, septate, branched constricted into spore chains before disarticulation. Based blast search analysis aligned sequences internal transcribed spacer (ITS), high genetic identity (100%) with N. dimidiatum, ARPN10 98.66% neighbor-joining revealed that both grouped same genus, Neocytalidium/Neofusicoccum The in vitro at concentration >3% showed potential suppressing growth of isolates. Sodium dose 0.3 ml/L applied every two times week able reduce disease severity plant field trial well rotation chemical fungicides once week. Neofusicoccum parvum dimidiatum is positive pathogen infecting plants IP2TP Sumani Aripan West Sumatra. Thus culture studies supported technique alter fruit.