Elucidation of “Twig Canker and Shoot Blight” (TCSB) in Peach Caused by Diaporthe amygdali in the North of Italy in Emilia‐Romagna

• Published in: Physiologia plantarum Vol. 177; no. 4; pp. e70428 - n/a
• Main Authors: Brugneti, Federico, Rossini, Luca, Cirilli, Marco, Nardecchia, Alessia, Onofri, Mattia, Mazzaglia, Angelo, Turco, Silvia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.07.2025; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Agriculture; Agrochemicals; Ascomycota - genetics; Ascomycota - physiology; Blight; Branches; Canker; Decision support systems; Diaporthe amygdali; Dieback; Disease control; Growth conditions; Italy; molecular characterization; Orchards; Original Research; Pathogens; Plant Diseases - microbiology; plant pathogens; plant pathology; Plant Shoots - microbiology; Prunus persica - microbiology; Shoot blight; Shoots; Temperature; Italy; Diaporthe amygdali; molecular characterization; plant pathogens; plant pathology
• ISSN: 0031-9317; 1399-3054; 1399-3054
• DOI: 10.1111/ppl.70428

ABSTRACT Prunus persica (peach) is a major fruit species in global agriculture, with Spain and Italy being the leading producers in the European Union. As agriculture is subject to increasing pressure to reduce agrochemicals, effective management of diseases such as twig canker and shoot blight (TCSB) becomes crucial. Diaporthe amygdali, the primary fungal pathogen responsible for TCSB, causes a significant dieback of shoots, flowers, leaves, and branches, typically during late winter or early spring. Despite its considerable impact, there is a lack of comprehensive knowledge on the biological characteristics of this pathogen in Italian peach orchards. This study aimed to address these gaps by characterizing D. amygdali isolates from symptomatic trees in a productive region of northern Italy, Emilia Romagna. Morphological and molecular analyses were conducted, and mycelial extension was assessed at different temperatures to assess optimal growth conditions. The findings provide valuable insights into the thermal responses of D. amygdali, contributing to the development of decision support systems for more precise and targeted disease control strategies.