First report of Lasiodiplodia theobromae causing stem rot disease of begonia (Begonia x elatior hort.) in Brazil

Abstract

Lasiodiplodia theobromae was found causing stem rot on commercial production of Begonia x elatior in São Paulo, Brazil. Illustrations, morphological and molecular description are provided. Based on the morphology, this fungus was recognized as L. theobromae. However, L. theobromae has high similarity with other Lasiodiplodia species, some of which are not possible to be separated by morphological characters. Molecular identification of the fungus isolated from the infected tissues was conducted. The strain from begonia clustered with other isolates of L. theobromae. This is the first report of the occurrence of L. theobromae on B. elatior.

A cultured endophyte community is associated with the plant Clerodendrum inerme and antifungal activity

“…Alternaria spp are major plant pathogens, which cause at least 20% of agricultural spoilage throughout the world (Shipunov et al, 2008). Species of Lasiodiplodia are common in tropical and subtropical regions, where they cause a variety of plant diseases (Fujinawa et al, 2012). Pestalotiopsis are plant pathogens as well as endophytes in a wide range of hosts (Maharachchikumbura et al, 2011).…”