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First Report of Podosphaera xanthii Causing Powdery Mildew on Zinnia elegans in Taiwan
Yi-Ting Xiao1, Yuan-Min Shen2, Chao-Jen Wang3
1Taichung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station, Plant Protection Laboratory, Changhua, Taiwan; b01613044@tdais.gov.tw.
Plant Disease
|October 20, 2020
Summary
Powdery mildew caused by Podosphaera xanthii was identified on common zinnia (Zinnia elegans) in Taiwan. This study confirms P. xanthii as a pathogen of zinnia, providing crucial information for disease management in the floral industry.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Mycology
- Horticulture
Background:
- Zinnia elegans (common zinnia) is a popular ornamental plant.
- Powdery mildew is a common plant disease affecting various species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the causal agent of powdery mildew observed on Zinnia elegans in Taiwan.
- To confirm the pathogenicity of the identified fungus.
Main Methods:
- Morphological characterization of fungal structures (conidiophores, conidia).
- Molecular identification using Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) gene sequencing.
- Pathogenicity tests on healthy Zinnia elegans plants following Koch's postulates.
Main Results:
- Fungal specimens exhibited morphological characteristics consistent with Podosphaera xanthii.
- ITS sequencing confirmed 100% identity with Podosphaera xanthii.
- Inoculated plants developed characteristic powdery mildew symptoms, fulfilling Koch's postulates.
Conclusions:
- Podosphaera xanthii is confirmed as the causal agent of powdery mildew on Zinnia elegans in Taiwan.
- This is the first confirmed report of Podosphaera xanthii on Zinnia elegans in Taiwan.
- Disease awareness can benefit the Taiwanese floral industry.
