Pathological Characterization and Molecular Analysis of Elsinoe Isolates Causing Scab Diseases of Citrus in Jeju Island in Korea

Abstract

Two scab diseases are recognized currently on citrus: (i) citrus scab caused by Elsinoe fawcettii, which has several pathotypes; and (ii) sweet orange scab caused by E. australis. Pathogenicity and cultural characteristics among 36 isolates collected from Jeju Island were investigated. Of 30 isolates from satsuma mandarin, yuzu, and kinkoji, all were E. fawcettii; 27 were similar to the Florida broad host range pathotype and 3 were similar to the Florida narrow host range pathotype by inoculation of differential hosts. Six isolates from natsudaidai were nonpathogenic to satsuma mandarin, rough lemon, sour orange, grapefruit, cleopatra mandarin, and natsudaidai leaves, and were only pathogenic to natsudaidai fruit. Isolates from natsudaidai usually produced unique tomentose colonies on potato dextrose agar compared with isolates from other citrus species. The colonies were relatively fast growing, radially sulcate, larger, and more expansive than the gummy, mucoid colonies of other isolates. Isolates from Florida, Australia, Argentina, and Jeju Island (Korea) were genetically differentiated using random amplified polymorphic DNA markers. E. fawcettii from Korea, Florida, and Australia, E. australis from Argentina, and natsudaidai isolates clustered closely within groups, but were clearly distinguishable among groups.