First report of Sphaerulina musiva in China and in Asia
Sphaerulina musiva (Septoria musiva, Mycosphaerella populorum – EPPO A1 List) is an economically important pathogen of poplars (Populus spp.) in North America, causing leaf spot and cankers. During investigations carried out in China in 2023, it was found that
S. musiva is widespread in the province of Henan, mainly causing leaf spots on poplars. It was observed that the disease incidence reached more than 80% in Nanyang, Jiaozuo and Xinxiang cities. Genetic studies on isolates collected from Henan, revealed a high level of genetic diversity, suggesting that the fungus has been introduced into China several years ago. The EPPO Secretariat had previously no information about the possible presence of this fungus in China. This is also a first record for Asia.
The situation of Sphaerulina musiva in China can be described as follows: Present, not widely distributed.
Sources
Ma T, Hu Y, Li F, Liu L, Cui L (2024) Development of genomic SSR markers and genetic diversity of Sphaerulina musiva in China. Journal of Phytopathology 172, e13253. https://doi.org/10.1111/jph.13253