Convolvulus arvensis, a new host for Alternaria solani causing early blight of Solanum lycopersicum in Pakistan

Abstract

In March–April 2011, a severe outbreak of early blight disease caused by Alternaria solani was observed on Solanum lycopersicum (cultivated tomatoes) at the Nuclear Institute for Agriculture and Biology (NIAB), Faisalabad, Pakistan. A similar type of symptoms was also observed on Convolvulus arvensis (field bindweed, lehli). Based on disease symptoms, morphological characteristics and pathogenicity test, it has been confirmed that the A. solani could infect C. arvensis. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of A. solani infecting C. arvensis in Pakistan.