First Report and New Hosts of Pseudofabraea citricarpa Causing Citrus Target Spot in China

Abstract

Citrus target spot, caused by Pseudofabraea citricarpa (Zhu et al.) Chen, Verkley & Crous, was a recently reported disease on satsuma mandarin and kumquat in Chenggu (Shaanxi province, China). In January 2019, target spot-like disease was also observed on ‘Eureka’ lemon and ‘Beijing’ lemon in Wanzhou (Chongqing province), satsuma in Yichang (Hubei province), and ‘Ponkan’ in Jishou (Hunan province). The identity of the causative agent was conducted and confirmed as P. citricarpa based on symptoms, fungal morphology, and multigene phylogenetic analysis, as well as pathogenicity tests. Investigations revealed that P. citricarpa can also infect ‘Tarocco’ blood orange and ‘Newhall’ navel orange. It can not only infect leaves and shoots but also can infect fruits. These results suggest that P. citricarpa could potentially spread to other citrus-growing regions in China.