The occurrence of leaf blight on Ophiopogon japonicus caused by Phyllosticta ophiopogonis in Korea

Abstract

A severe outbreak of Phyllosticta leaf blight was observed on mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicas) in Jinju, South Korea during 2013?2014. Symptoms initially appeared on chlorotic leaves, followed by blight and finally leaf death. DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer rRNA gene region confirmed that the isolate was Phyllosticta ophiopogonis. Koch’s postulates were supported by pathogenicity tests conducted on healthy plants. Based on morphological characteristics, pathogenicity tests, and molecular analysis, the causal fungus was identified as P. ophiopogonis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of leaf blight caused by P. ophiopogonis on mondo grass in South Korea. ? 2015, Australasian Plant Pathology Society Inc.