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Identification of Pseudocercospora mori as the causal agent of grey leaf spot disease in mulberry (Morus atropurpurea) from various localities in Guangdong Province, China

Summary

This study identifies the fungus Pseudocercospora mori as the cause of a serious disease affecting mulberry leaves in southern China. Researchers used microscopy, genetic testing, and laboratory experiments to confirm that this pathogen damages mulberry plants and reduces the quality of leaves used in silk production. The study provides practical diagnostic tools to help farmers detect and manage this disease in their mulberry orchards.

Background

Mulberry trees are economically important for sericulture and produce leaves with high nutritional and medicinal value. Grey leaf spot disease caused by Pseudocercospora mori significantly affects mulberry production in subtropical regions like Guangdong Province, China, by reducing leaf quality and yield during high temperature and humidity periods.

Objective

To identify and characterize the causal agent of grey leaf spot disease in mulberry (Morus atropurpurea) from six regions in Guangdong Province using morphological analysis, high-throughput sequencing, molecular phylogenetic analysis, and pathogenicity tests.

Results

Morphological and molecular analyses consistently identified Pseudocercospora mori as the primary causal pathogen. High-throughput sequencing revealed Pseudocercospora spp. as the most abundant fungal genus (25.10% relative abundance). Phylogenetic analyses confirmed placement within family Mycosphaerellaceae, and PCR primers achieved detection sensitivity as low as 3 × 10⁻² ng/μL. Pathogenicity validation confirmed P. mori’s role as the causal agent.

Conclusion

Pseudocercospora mori was definitively identified as the causal pathogen of grey leaf spot disease in mulberry based on morphological and molecular evidence. The study provides diagnostic tools and data for practical field-level management of mulberry leaf spot disease, supporting sustainable sericulture development in Guangdong Province.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Plant Science,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40978795, PMCID: PMC12443802
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