Phyllactinia cornicola, a new species of powdery mildews from Pakistan

Abstract

A new powdery mildew fungus, Phyllactinia cornicola (Erysiphaceae) infecting dogwood trees is described from Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan. Identification is based upon morpho‐anatomical features and molecular analysis. This species is characterized by having shorter conidiophores, and smaller chasmothecia, asci and ascospores compared to P. guttata and P. corni. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS sequences supports its recognition as novel species of Phyllactinia. A comprehensive description, along with photographs and a phylogram to show its exact position, as well as a comparison with closely related taxa is provided.