First report of Pyrenochaeta lycopersici, causal agent of tomato corky root rot in Australia

Abstract

Corky root rot, chlorosis of foliage, necrosis of tip branches and poor fruit setting were observed in field and glasshouse tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) grown north of Perth during the summer of 2008. Based on morphological characteristics of the isolated fungus, disease symptoms and a pathogenicity test, Pyrenochaeta lycopersici was identified as the causal agent of corky root rot of tomato. Pyrenochaeta lycopersici has not previously been reported on tomato in Australia. © 2009 Australasian Plant Pathology Society.