Abstract:

Sakura rot disease occurs in all cherry blossom planting and viewing areas in China. In particular, it is the most serious damage to Prunus yedoensis ‘Somei-yoshino’ which is old and weak. In order to better prevent and control sakura rot disease, it is necessary to clarify the species, pathogenicity and incidence rules of sakura rot disease. In this study, Prunus yedoensis ‘Somei-yoshino’ planted in Yuyuantan Park was selected as the research object. The pathogen was isolated and identified by morphology and rDNA-ITS sequencing, and the pathogenicity was analyzed by Koch’s rule. The results indicated that Fusarium avenaceum, Diaporthe amygdali, Cytospora leucostoma, Pleurostoma ootheca and Botryosphaeria dothidea were the main pathogens causing sakura Prunus yedoensis ‘Somei-yoshino’ rot disease. The pathogenicity of the pathogen was different to the branches of different ages, and the young and tender branches were more susceptible to the disease than the old and sturdy perennial branches. Therefore, the prevention and control of the rot disease on the young and tender Prunus yedoensis ‘Somei-yoshino’ branches should be strengthened in the future.

Key words: Prunus yedoensis ‘Somei-yoshino’, rot disease, rDNA-ITS, Koch’s rule, pathogenicity