Study on some biological and morphological characteristics of Wilsonomyces carpophilus in West Azerbaijan

Abstract

Shot hole disease of stone fruit trees, caused by<em> Wilsonomyces</em> <em>carpophilus</em> (Lév.) Adaskaveg, Ogawa & Butler(= <em>Stigmina carpophila</em> (Lév.) M.B. Ellis and <em>Coryneum beijerinckii</em> Oud.) is a serious disease of <em>Prunus</em> species in West Azerbaijan province. The pathogen was obtained from infected leaves, fruits and twigs of <em>Prunus</em> orchards during spring and summer of 2007. Samples were cultured on PDA, MEA, WA (2%) and APDA media after surface sterilization. Sixty isolates were recovered from <em>Prunus</em> orchards and studied. Based on morphological and physiological characters and growth optimal temperature, all isolates were identified as <em>Wilsonomyces</em> <em>carpophilus</em>. Isolates produced sporodochia bearing sympodial conidiophores and conidia with 3-5 cells (occasionally 1-9 cells), holoblastic, rhexolytic and 20-67.5 × 7.5-15 mm. Optimal growth was observed in 21º C and pH 6 and no growth was occurred below 5º C or above 30º C.