Study on some biological and morphological characteristics of Wilsonomyces carpophilus in West Azerbaijan

Shot hole disease of stone fruit trees, caused by Wilsonomyces carpophilus (Lév.) Adaskaveg, Ogawa & Butler(= Stigmina carpophila (Lév.) M.B. Ellis and Coryneum beijerinckii Oud.) is a serious disease of Prunus species in West Azerbaijan province. The pathogen was obtained from infected leaves, fruits and twigs of Prunus orchards during spring and summer of 2007. Samples were cultured on PDA, MEA, WA (2%) and APDA media after surface sterilization. Sixty isolates were recovered from Prunus orchards and studied. Based on morphological and physiological characters and growth optimal temperature, all isolates were identified as Wilsonomyces carpophilus. Isolates produced sporodochia bearing sympodial conidiophores and conidia with 3-5 cells (occasionally 1-9 cells), holoblastic, rhexolytic and 20-67.5 × 7.5-15 mm. Optimal growth was observed in 21º C and pH 6 and no growth was occurred below 5º C or above 30º C.