Characterization of Neopestalotiopsis clavispora, A New Etiological Agent of Leaf Spot Isolated from Banana.

[Objectives] The study was to confirm the etiological agent of leaf spot on banana in Yunnan Province of China. [Methods] Fungus isolates were isolated from the diseased tissues, and cultured to observe the morphological characteristics of colony and spore. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses and pathogenicity test were also conducted to confirm the pathogen. [Results] The fungus isolated from the diseased tissues was identified as Neopestalotiopsis clavispora. [Conclusions] N. clavispora is a new pathogen causing leaf spot of banana. This research provides the first description of N. clavispora as a causal agent on banana in China, and adds new insights related to the host range of N. clavispora. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]