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Title: REASSESSMENT OF PHOMOPSIS SPECIES ON GRAPEVINES

Author
item VAN NIEKERK, J M - STELLENBOSCH, SO AFRICA
item GROENWALD, J Z - STELLENBOSCH, SO AFRICA
item Farr, David
item FOURIE, P H - STELLENBOSCH, SO AFRICA
item HALLEEN, F - STELLENBOSCH, SO AFRICA
item CROUS, P W - UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS

Submitted to: Australasian Plant Pathlogy Society
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/27/2004
Publication Date: 1/9/2005
Citation: Van Niekerk, J., Groenwald, J., Farr, D.F., Fourie, P., Halleen, F., Crous, P. 2005. Reassessment of Phomopsis species on grapevines. Australasian Plant Pathlogy Society. 34(1):27-39

Interpretive Summary: Fungi in the genus Phomopsis and its sexual state Diaporthe cause serious diseases on a wide variety of hosts including grapes. At present the species of Phomopsis occurring on grapes are not well known, often do not have names, and are difficult to identify. Isolates of Phomopsis from grapes were studied to determine both their identity and their biology. Fifteen species of Phomopsis from grapevines were distinguished, identified as much as possible, and tested for pathogenicity. Some of these species of Phomopsis caused serious diseases of grapes while others were merely associated with living plants of grape but did not cause diseases. The species of Phomopsis on grape were characterized using both molecular and morphological data. Plant pathologists will use this research to determine which species of Phomopsis are causing diseases on grapes and to treat those diseases.

Technical Abstract: Ten species of Phomopsis have previously been identified from grapevines. Of these, P. viticola, the causal agent of Phomopsis cane and leaf spot, and P. vitimegaspora, causal agent of swelling arm of grapevines, have been confirmed as severe pathogens of this host. Using morphology, DNA sequences (ITS-1, 5.8S, ITS-2) and pathogenicity data, a total of 15 Phomopsis spp. were distinguished from grapevines in the present study. Diaporthe helianthi, a known pathogen of sunflowers, is for the first time reported from grapevines. A further six, presently unknown species of Phomopsis, are also distinguished from grapevines. A phylogenetic analysis of ITS data generated in this study distinguished three different clades containing isolates previously identified as D. perjuncta. Based on type studies, the name D. viticola can be applied to collections from Portugal and Germany. A new species, D. australafricana, is proposed for South African and Australian isolates formerly treated as D. perjuncta or D. viticola. A description for D. perjuncta is provided based on newly designated lectotype and epitype specimens. D. perjuncta is distinguished from D. viticola and D. australafricana based on morphology and DNA phylogeny. Artificial inoculations of green grapevine shoots indicated that, of the species tested, P. amygdali, a known pathogen of peaches in the USA, and P. viticola were the most virulent.