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Characterization of Fungal Pathogens Causing Blueberry Fruit Rot Disease in China

Summary

Researchers in China identified seven different fungi causing blueberry fruit rot disease from samples collected in Guizhou and Fujian provinces. Three of these fungi were found on blueberries for the first time. The study showed that blueberries can suffer from multiple fungal infections at once, both during growth and after harvest, causing significant crop losses. Understanding these different pathogens helps farmers develop better strategies to prevent and manage blueberry diseases.

Background

Blueberry is a rapidly expanding fruit crop in China, but its perishable nature and susceptibility to fungal diseases pose significant challenges to industry development. Fruit rot diseases caused by fungi are major pre- and post-harvest problems affecting blueberry yield and quality. Understanding the diversity of causal agents is essential for effective disease management.

Objective

To identify and characterize fungal pathogens associated with blueberry fruit rot disease in China through morphological and phylogenetic analyses. To evaluate the pathogenicity of identified isolates on blueberry fruits to provide a basis for disease prevention and control strategies.

Results

Sixteen isolates from six samples were identified as seven fungal species: Botryosphaeria dothidea, Botrytis cinerea, Cladosporium guizhouense, Colletotrichum fioriniae, Diaporthe anacardii, Fusarium annulatum, and Neopestalotiopsis surinamensis. Three species (C. guizhouense, F. annulatum, and N. surinamensis) were reported on blueberry for the first time. All isolates demonstrated pathogenicity on blueberry fruits with distinct symptom profiles.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that blueberry fruit rot results from mixed infections of multiple fungal pathogens, expanding understanding of causal agents as potential latent pathogens contributing to post-harvest losses. Results provide crucial etiological and epidemiological information for blueberry disease management in China and globally.
  • Published in:Pathogens,
  • Study Type:Descriptive Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/pathogens14020201, PMID: 40005576
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