Identification of Pseudocercospora bolleana Associated with Angular Leaf Spot on Common Fig in Korea

Abstract

A cercosporoid fungus associated with angular leaf spots on the leaves of common fig (Ficus carica) in Korea is known to be morphologically similar to Passalora, but phylogenetically similar to Pseudocercospora. To clarify the ambiguity, six fig samples with angular leaf spots were collected and examined using a microscope, and two representative isolates were sequenced for multiple genes. The morphological characteristics were consistent with previous descriptions of Passalora bolleana. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the internal transcribed spacer and large subunit ribosomal DNA (rDNA) regions showed that the Korean isolates, as well as previously published Korean and Romanian isolates, formed a well-supported group in the clade of Pseudocercospora species. Consequently, the current Korean isolates should be correctly described as Pseudocercospora bolleana. Additionally, Pseudocercospora fici-caricae, a cercosporoid fungus previously described as a leaf pathogen on common fig in Taiwan and Korea, was also compared and discussed.

Keywords

• cercosporoid fungus
• ficus carica
• passalora bolleana
• pseudocercospora fici-caricae