Diaporthe gulyae: the new pathogen on common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum)

Authors: DUELLMAN, KASIA - University Of Idaho; MATHEW, FEBINA - South Dakota State University; MARKELL, SAMUEL - North Dakota State University; Castlebury, Lisa

Submitted to: Plant Health Progress
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/2/2019
Publication Date: 4/1/2019
Citation: Duellman, K.M., Mathew, F., Markell, S.G., Castlebury, L.A. 2019. Diaporthe gulyae: the new pathogen on common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum). Plant Health Progress. 1(1):70-72. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHP-12-18-0078-RS.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1094/PHP-12-18-0078-RS

Interpretive Summary: Fungi in the genus Diaporthe occur on many different plant hosts with some species causing disease and other co-existing with their host plants without causing disease. Because many species in this genus have similar microscopic appearances, they are often difficult to identify correctly. In this study, Diaporthe gulyae is documented as a pathogen on cultivated buckwheat for the first time using DNA sequences and plant inoculations. This research will be used by extension agents, plant breeders, plant pathologists, and plant quarantine officials to implement management strategies and to accurately determine the presence of this species in the United States and other countries to keep American agriculture safe.

Technical Abstract: A fungus associated with stem disease on common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) was shown to be pathogenic on this crop, with differences in reaction of buckwheat varieties to causal agent. Sequence analyses support identification of the pathogen as Diaporthe gulyae, which has also been shown to be a pathogen on soybean and sunflower. As a result, the use of buckwheat in rotations with sunflower or soybean may need to be reconsidered.