Abstract
During the years 1997-1999, a rot disease on mature fruit of persimmon (Diospyros kaki) occurred in several areas in Gifu Prefecture where persimmon is extensively produced. The disease was characterized by rotting from the fruit apex or base. From the results of fungal isolation and tests of their pathogenicity, the rotting was caused by two species of the fungal genus Pestalotiopsis. One was identified as Pestalotiopsis longiseta (Spegazzini) Dai et Kobayashi and the other as P. foedans (Saccardo et Ellis) Steyaert, on the basis of their morphological and cultural characteristics. These pathogens could invade through cavities of the fruit apex or base, producing a black discoloration or rot. Losses due to the fruit rot were effectively reduced by three sprays of the fungicide iminoctadine-albesilate from August to October with occasional sprays right after strong winds and heavy rain.
