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Overview of the Genus Pseudocercospora on Vitaceous Plants in Korea with Introduction of Pseudocercospora neovitis sp. nov.

Summary

Researchers in Korea identified and characterized three fungal species that cause leaf spot diseases on grape plants and related vines. They discovered a new fungal species called Pseudocercospora neovitis on wild grapes (Vitis flexuosa) and found that a common grape leaf spot fungus (Ps. vitis) also infects the commercial grape variety Campbell Early in Korea. These findings help understand the diversity of fungal pathogens affecting grape production and related plants.

Background

Pseudocercospora species are recognized as leaf spot pathogens on various vitaceous plants worldwide. Previously, only two species (Ps. vitis and Ps. ampelopsidis) were reported on vitaceous plants in Korea. This study revises the species diversity of Pseudocercospora on vitaceous hosts using molecular and morphological analyses.

Objective

To determine the current status of species diversity of the genus Pseudocercospora on vitaceous hosts in Korea through advanced molecular-phylogenetic approaches and morphological characterization. The study introduces one new species and documents new host findings for existing species.

Results

Three Pseudocercospora species were identified: Ps. vitis on Vitis vinifera and V. labrusca × V. vinifera ‘Campbell Early’ (new host finding), Ps. ampelopsidis on Ampelopsis glandulosa var. heterophylla, and Ps. neovitis sp. nov. on Vitis flexuosa. All three species formed well-supported distinct clades in phylogenetic analyses with high bootstrap support values.

Conclusion

This study expands knowledge of Pseudocercospora host range in Korea and contributes to comprehensive understanding of fungal diversity on Vitaceae. The introduction of Ps. neovitis as a new species and documentation of Ps. vitis on Campbell Early represents significant additions to Korean fungal pathogen records.
  • Published in:Mycobiology,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Study,
  • Source: 10.1080/12298093.2025.2518787; PMID: 40606409
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