First Report of the Peach Leaf Spot Caused by Nigrospora sphaerica in China

Abstract

Peach (Prunus persica L.) is a globally significant fruit valued for its high edible and ornamental qualities. Peach leaf spot disease has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, negatively affecting fruit quality and esthetic appeal. During the summer of 2024, symptoms of leaf spots were observed on peach trees in an orchard in Bazhong City, Sichuan Province, China. Leaf samples displaying typical spot symptoms were collected from peach orchards, and the pathogenic agents were isolated. Based on their morphological characteristics and multi-locus phylogenetic analysis, the isolated and purified fungus SCBZPP6 was identified as Nigrospora sphaerica. Furthermore, the pathogenicity of the isolated fungus was verified via Koch’s postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of N. sphaerica causing leaf spot on peach in China.