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Pathogen identification and biological fungicides screening for Plumbago auriculata blight in China

Summary

Researchers identified a fungal pathogen (Fusarium ipomoeae) causing a serious disease in Plumbago auriculata ornamental plants in China. They tested seven biological fungicides and found that osthole was the most effective at preventing the disease. The study provides gardeners and farmers with an environmentally friendly solution to control this plant disease using a natural compound.

Background

Plumbago auriculata is an important ornamental horticultural plant widely used in urban landscaping. In 2023, a blight disease was first detected in Wanzhou District, Chongqing City, China, characterized by yellowing and drying of the apex in early stages and drying and death of entire aboveground parts in later stages, significantly reducing the plant’s ornamental value.

Objective

To identify the pathogenic fungus causing Plumbago auriculata blight in Wanzhou district of Chongqing and to screen effective biological fungicides for controlling the disease. The study involved pathogen isolation, morphological characterization, molecular identification through multigene analysis, cross-pathogenicity testing, and biological fungicide screening.

Results

Isolates L9 and L11 were identified as Fusarium ipomoeae through phylogenetic analysis and morphological characteristics. F. ipomoeae showed pathogenicity to Prunus serrulata and Heptapleurum arboricola. Indoor toxicity testing revealed that 0.4% osthole SL had the most significant inhibitory effect with an EC50 value of 1.089 μg/mL, achieving 88% control efficacy in potted plant experiments.

Conclusion

This is the first report of F. ipomoeae causing blight on P. auriculata in China. The 0.4% osthole SL biological fungicide demonstrated effective prevention and control of P. auriculata blight and can be used for green management of this disease, providing a foundation for targeted disease control strategies.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40687860, DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1609944
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