Fungal Pathogens Associated with Strawberry Crown Rot Disease in China

Abstract

Strawberry crown rot (SCR) is a serious disease that is generally referred to as seedling anthracnose due to its association with Colletotrichum spp. Presently, SCR is the main cause of death of strawberry seedlings. However, management strategies, including fungicides targeting Colletotrichum spp., have failed to obtain satisfactory results. Therefore, identifying the exact pathogen species causing SCR could guide its management. A total of 287 isolates were obtained from SCR-diseased plants. Based on the culture, morphology, and phylogenetic characteristics, the above 287 fungal isolates of SCR pathogens were identified as 12 different species, including Colletotrichum siamense, C. fructicola, Fusarium oxysporum, F. commune, F. equiseti, F. solani, F. tricinctum, Epicoccum sorghinum, Stemphylium lycopersici, Clonostachys rosea, Phoma herbarum, and Curvularia trifolii. Pathogenicity results showed that most isolates were pathogenic to strawberry seedlings and exhibited different degrees of virulence. In severe cases, poor growth on the ground, yellowing of the leaves, and even death of seedlings occurred. In mild cases, only black disease spots appeared on the stems of the strawberry seedlings, and a few withered leaves became necrotic. The inoculation experiments showed that the most virulent species were C. siamense and F. oxysporum, followed by F. equiseti, P. herbarum, Cl. rosea, S. lycopersici, and C. fructicola, which had disease incidences above 50%. E. sorghinum, S. lycopersici, Cl. rosea, P. herbarum and Cu. trifolii were reported to cause SCR for the first time herein. In conclusion, SCR is a sophisticated disease caused by a diversity of pathogenic fungi. This work provides new valuable data about the diversity and pathogenicity of SCR pathogens, which will help in formulating effective strategies to better control of the SCR disease.

Potential of Alpha-(α)-Solanine as a Natural Inhibitor of Fungus Causing Leaf Spot Disease in Strawberry

“…After culturing for 12 h at 28 °C, α-solanine was added to a final concentration of 5 mg/mL in 5 mL of liquid culture. After 12 h of incubation, the solution was dropped onto a hemocytometer, and spore germination was observed under a light microscope (400×) as described previously [ 4 ]. The inhibition rate of spore germination was calculated by the following formula [ 23 ].…”

“…Unfortunately, the strawberry crop is susceptible to several fungal pathogens that cause leaf spot diseases [ 2 ]. Moreover, fungi such as Mycosphaerella fragariae are known to infect strawberry crops worldwide [ 3 ].These leaf spot diseases can cause a decline in yield or the death of plants and are mainly caused by phytopathogenic fungi such as Cercospora, Curvularia, and Bipolaris genera [ 4 ]. In a recent study, a dozen fungal species (including Curvularia trifolii ) were diagnosed from China that collectively cause strawberry crown rot disease [ 4 ].…”

“…Moreover, fungi such as Mycosphaerella fragariae are known to infect strawberry crops worldwide [ 3 ].These leaf spot diseases can cause a decline in yield or the death of plants and are mainly caused by phytopathogenic fungi such as Cercospora, Curvularia, and Bipolaris genera [ 4 ]. In a recent study, a dozen fungal species (including Curvularia trifolii ) were diagnosed from China that collectively cause strawberry crown rot disease [ 4 ]. Additionally, Curvularia trifolii can cause leaf spot disease in stawberry, which can ultimately lead to fruit rot [ 4 ].…”

“…In a recent study, a dozen fungal species (including Curvularia trifolii ) were diagnosed from China that collectively cause strawberry crown rot disease [ 4 ]. Additionally, Curvularia trifolii can cause leaf spot disease in stawberry, which can ultimately lead to fruit rot [ 4 ]. Curvularia leaf spot disease in strawberry is an important fungal disease in China that spreads rapidly due to prolonged wet seasons [ 4 ].…”

“…Additionally, Curvularia trifolii can cause leaf spot disease in stawberry, which can ultimately lead to fruit rot [ 4 ]. Curvularia leaf spot disease in strawberry is an important fungal disease in China that spreads rapidly due to prolonged wet seasons [ 4 ]. Furthermore, the negative impact of the disease is severe under high temperature, rainfall, and humidity.…”