First Report of Aspergillus Leaf Spot on Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) Caused by Aspergillus fumigatus in Iraq

Abstract

Leaf spots were noticed commonly on loquat trees in Alhussiania city, Karbala Province, Iraq. The associated fungus was isolated and identified as Aspergillus fumigatus based on the morphology (cultural and microscopic features) and molecular analysis (sequence of internal transcribed spacer rDNA). The pathogenicity of isolated fungus was confirmed through Koch’s postulates that were implemented by comparing the disease symptoms with those of naturally appeared and re-isolated from the inoculated leaves and re-identified. To best of our knowledge, this is the first record of A. fumigatus as causative agent of leaf spot on loquat (E. japonica) tree in Iraq and worldwide.