Articles
The identification of Stemphylium vesicarium on ‘Forelle’ pears in the Western Cape
Article number
1403_28
Pages
217 – 220
Language
English
Abstract
Brown spot of pears (BSP) is caused by the fungal pathogen Stemphylium vesicarium. This fungal disease is one of the most common fungal diseases of pears in several regions worldwide, with great economic importance.
BSP was first reported in France in 1987. The first report of S. vesicarium in South Africa (SA), was in 1992 in the Transvaal on garlic.
BSP, however, has not been reported on pome fruit in South Africa.
The purpose of this study was to identify the causal agent of brown spot, on pears in the Western Cape, since only after identification, effective management strategies can be tested and implemented.
BSP symptoms were found on ‘Forelle’ after three months in cold storage.
Isolations were made to identify the pathogen both morphologically and using molecular methods.
The ITS gene region and species-specific primers KES 1999 and KES 2000 were used for the molecular identification of S. vesicarium.
BSP was first reported in France in 1987. The first report of S. vesicarium in South Africa (SA), was in 1992 in the Transvaal on garlic.
BSP, however, has not been reported on pome fruit in South Africa.
The purpose of this study was to identify the causal agent of brown spot, on pears in the Western Cape, since only after identification, effective management strategies can be tested and implemented.
BSP symptoms were found on ‘Forelle’ after three months in cold storage.
Isolations were made to identify the pathogen both morphologically and using molecular methods.
The ITS gene region and species-specific primers KES 1999 and KES 2000 were used for the molecular identification of S. vesicarium.
Publication
Authors
M.C. Kotze, C.L. Lennox, J.C. Meitz-Hopkins
Keywords
brown spot of pears, emerging pathogens, species-identification
Online Articles (42)