Work

First Report of Leaf Spot on Camellia japonica Caused by Alternaria alternata in Korea

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In May 2023, leaf spot disease was observed on the leaves of camellia trees (Camellia japonica) in Suncheonsi, Jeonnam Province. To identify the fungal species responsible for the disease, we isolated samples from the diseased leaves. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis, we identified the causal fungus of leaf spot disease as the ascomycete Alternaria alternata. Pathogenicity assays confirmed that the isolates were the causal agents of leaf spot disease, and the fungus was reisolated from the infected leaves, thus fulfilling Koch’s postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of A. alternata as the causal pathogen of leaf spot disease on C. japonica in Korea. Our results will contribute to the development of effective control strategies for this disease in the future.

Source: Research in Plant Disease

DOI: 10.5423/rpd.2025.31.1.118

Authors: Sunmin An, Miju Jo, Sook-Young Park

Language: English

Topic: Plant Pathogens and Fungal Diseases

Subfield: Cell Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $700

Funder: Sunchon National University