First report of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum associated with dieback and canker of common fig (Ficus carica L.) in Turkey

In 2020, a canker disease with dieback of branches and decline of various fig trees in Sanliurfa and Mardin provinces of Turkey was observed. The causal pathogen was identified as Neoscytalidium dimidiatum based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of ITS, tef1, and tub2 loci. Koch's postulates were confirmed by successful re-isolation of N. dimidiatum only from plants inoculated with the pathogen. This is the first report of N. dimidiatum associated with dieback and canker of common fig in Turkey.

Automated summary

In 2020, a new canker disease affecting fig trees in Sanliurfa and Mardin provinces of Turkey was identified. The disease caused branch dieback and decline in various fig trees. The causal pathogen was identified as Neoscytalidium dimidiatum through morphological characteristics and genetic analysis. This is the first report of N. dimidiatum associated with dieback and canker of common fig in Turkey.