Corynespora leaf spot of balsam pear caused by Corynespora cassiicola in Korea

Abstract

Corynespora leaf spot occurred severely on balsam pear (Momordica charantia) at Changwon, Gyeongnam province in Korea in November and December 2003. The causal fungus isolated from infected leaves of the plants grew well on potato dextrose agar showing gray to brown color. Solitary or catenary conidia of the fungus were obclavate to cylindrical in shape, and pale olivaceous brown or brown in color. The number of isthmus pseudosepta ranged from 4 to 20 and measured 36~186×8~19 (im in size. Conidiophores were pale to light brown in color and measured 94~648×3~8 jam in size. Optimal temperature for mycelial growth was 30°C. On the basis of mycological characteristics and pathogenicity, the fungus was identified as Corynespora cassiicola (Berk. & Curt.) Wei This is the first report on the corynespora leaf spot of M. charantia caused by C. cassiicola in Korea. © The Korean Society of Plant Pathology.