Morphological characterisation and media preferences in Wilsonomyces carpophilus, the causal agent of shot hole disease of stone fruits in Kashmir

Abstract

The studywas carried out to ascertain the diversity in Wilsonomyces carpophilus on the basis morpho-cultural characteristics. Twenty five isolates of W. carpophilus collected from different stone fruits (peach, plum, apricot, almond and cherry) grown in three districts (Srinagar, Ganderbal and Baramulla) in the year 2011-2012 were maintained. All the isolates sampled were found pathogenic when inoculated on respective hosts. Significant variations were also observed in growth characteristics (texture, margins and colour), colony diameter and growth rates of different isolates. PDA (self-prepared) was the best medium as compared to other media tested. On PDA (self-prepared), the maximum colony diameter was recorded in isolates WcS8. On Asthana and Hawker’s medium WcS5 showed maximum colony diameter and isolate WcS5 on PDA (Hi-Media). The overall growth rate increased upto sixth day of incubation and then started decreasing afterwards. Thus, W. carpophilus is highly diverse pathogen in terms of morphological characters and nutritional requirements and has a potential to overcome management strategies very quickly.