First record of Phaeobotryon aplosporum (Botryosphaeriaceae) in Japan

Abstract

The genus Phaeobotryon was observed on branches of Wisteria floribunda, Malus sp., and Kerria japonica from March to June 2022. Based on its morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic position, the fungus was identified as Phaeobotryon aplosporum M. Pan & X. L. Fan, which has not been reported in Japan. Because this species was found in multiple localities and hosts, it may be widely distributed in Japan. Some species of the genus Phaeobotryon includes tree pathogens. Distribution and ecology of the genus in Japan thus warrant further investigation.