Polystigma fulvum, a red leaf blotch pathogen on leaves of Prunus spp., has the Polystigmina pallescens anamorph/andromorph

Abstract

The anamorphic stage of Polystigma fulvum, collected as a red leaf blotch on Prunus ssiori from Japan, was first confirmed by inoculation tests and field observations in this study. It was identified as Polystigmina pallescens based on the characteristic features of sympodial conidiogenous cells and the 80- to 120-μm-long filiform conidia. The description of P. fulvum including the Polystigmina stage is provided with microscopic illustrations. Presumably the Polystigmina stage of this species was considered to be an andromorph rather than an anamorph, possibly involving fertilization of the fungus. A synopsis of the life cycle of Polystigma fulvum is briefly noted.