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Diversity of Fungal Genera Associated with Shot-Hole Disease in Cherry Blossoms Across Korea

Summary

Cherry blossom trees in Korea are commonly affected by shot-hole disease, which causes holes in leaves and reduces flowering. Researchers found that four different fungi cause this disease, not just one as previously thought: Alternaria, Diaporthe, Epicoccum, and Botryosphaeria. The types of fungi vary by region and between urban and rural areas, suggesting different management strategies may be needed in different locations.

Background

Cherry trees are widely planted ornamental landscape trees in Korea and serve as important tourist resources. However, they are frequently affected by brown shot-hole disease, which causes brown spots that eventually form shot-hole-shaped lesions on leaves, leading to premature leaf loss and reduced flowering. While Mycosphaerella cerasella has been identified as the primary causal pathogen, other fungal species can also cause shot-hole symptoms.

Objective

To investigate the diversity of fungal pathogens responsible for brown shot-hole disease in cherry trees across Korea through isolation, identification, and pathogenicity testing. The study aimed to determine whether multiple fungal genera cause shot-hole symptoms and to analyze regional differences in pathogen distribution.

Results

Four major fungal genera were isolated: Alternaria (166 isolates), Diaporthe (131 isolates), Epicoccum (99 isolates), and Botryosphaeria (61 isolates). Molecular identification revealed specific species including A. alternata, A. tenuissima, D. eres, E. nigrum, and B. dothidea. All four genera demonstrated pathogenicity to cherry trees, and regional distribution analysis showed statistically significant differences in pathogen prevalence between provinces and between urban and rural areas.

Conclusion

The study establishes that four major fungal genera are responsible for shot-hole disease in Korean cherry trees, not just Mycosphaerella cerasella. Regional pathogen distribution patterns suggest environmental factors and fungicide use may influence pathogen prevalence, indicating the need for region-specific disease management strategies.
  • Published in:Mycobiology,
  • Study Type:Observational Study,
  • Source: 10.1080/12298093.2025.2522491, PMID: 40606410
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