First report of phloeospora leaf spot on mulberry caused by Phloeospora maculans (= Cylindrosporium maculans) in the East Mediterranean region of Turkey

摘要

Mulberry (Morus spp.) is an increasingly important crop in the Hatay province of Turkey, mainly as a food source for silkworm. In 2002, a severe outbreak of a foliar disease was noted in almost all significant mulberry orchards. Initially, symptoms consisted of small (< 1 mm wide), dark brown, vein-limited spots. With time these spots enlarged (up to 6 mm wide), often surrounded by a diffuse chlorotic halo. In severe attacks, leaves yellowed, withered and dropped prematurely. Typically, spots were more severe on mature leaves and progressed to younger leaves.