First report of leaf spot caused by Phytophthora capsici on chili pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) in Pakistan

Abstract

A survey was conducted in chili and a leaf spot disease with approximately 46% incidence was observed in the field. Morphological characteristics of the isolates correspond to those reported for Phytophthora capsici. The resulting sequences of ITS and TEF1 gene had high similarity after BLAST analysis with those of P. capsici isolates. The pathogenicity of one isolate was tested by spraying the zoospore suspension and symptoms of leaf spots similar to those observed in the field developed on all the inoculated leaves.