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Identification and biological characterization of pathogen causing sooty blotch of Ardisia crispa (Thunb.) A.DC.

Summary

Researchers identified two fungi causing sooty blotch, a serious disease affecting Ardisia crispa, an important Chinese medicinal plant. The disease creates black mold on leaves that reduces the plant’s ability to produce energy through photosynthesis. The study found that extracts from specific medicinal plants can effectively inhibit the growth of these harmful fungi, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides for protecting these valuable medicinal plants.

Background

Sooty blotch is a significant leaf disease affecting Ardisia crispa, an important medicinal plant in traditional Chinese medicine, particularly valued in Guizhou Province. The disease causes black mold development on plant surfaces, impeding photosynthesis and reducing yield and quality. However, the specific pathogenic fungi responsible and their mechanisms of pathogenesis remain unclear.

Objective

To identify the pathogenic fungi causing sooty blotch in Ardisia crispa and characterize their biological properties, understand the molecular mechanisms of disease pathogenesis, and evaluate the antifungal efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine extracts for biological control.

Results

Two pathogenic fungi were identified: Annulohypoxylon stygium and Diaporthe angelicae, both reported for the first time in this context. Diseased leaves showed reduced photosynthesis rates and altered chloroplast structure. Pathogens grew optimally at pH 7-10 in subdued light, and water extracts of Lonicera fulvotomentosa and Ardisia crispa demonstrated strong antifungal activity against both pathogens.

Conclusion

This study identified Annulohypoxylon stygium and Diaporthe angelicae as the causative agents of sooty blotch in Ardisia crispa and demonstrated their effects on photosynthesis. The findings provide a theoretical basis for diagnosis and prevention of this disease, with potential for developing green biocontrol strategies using traditional Chinese medicine extracts.
  • Published in:PeerJ,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: PMID: 40151448, DOI: 10.7717/peerj.19130
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