Species of Lasiodiplodia associated with papaya stem-end rot in Brazil

This study aims to identify and characterize species of Lasiodiplodia associated with stem-end rot of papaya in six different populations in the Northeast of Brazil. Fungal identifications were made using a combination of morphology together with a phylogenetic analysis based on partial translation elongation factor 1-alpha sequence (EF-1 alpha) and internal transcribed spacers (ITS). Five species of Lasiodiplodia were identified: Lasiodiplodia brasiliense sp. nov., L. hormozganensis, L. marypalme sp. nov., L. pseudotheobromae and L. theobromae. Only L. theobromae had previously been reported in papaya, while all the other species are reported for the first time in association with this host in Brazil and worldwide. Lasiodiplodia theobromae was the most prevalent species. All species of Lasiodiplodia were pathogenic on papaya fruit, with L. hormozganensis being the most virulent.