Novel and Surprising Host Associations of Diaporthe (Diaporthaceae, Diaporthales) Species from Italy

Diaporthe species are known to be mostly saprobic and pathogenic to numerous hosts in plantations, forests, and urban areas worldwide. Their relationship with host plants and distribution is poorly discussed. Combined morpho-molecular data have resulted in ten Diaporthe strains from ten host species in genera Acer, Alianthus, Artemisia, Aster, Ballota, Dittrichia, Euonymus, Eupatorium, Laburnum and Scabiosa. The isolates were identified as Diaporthe arctii, D. eres, D. foeniculina, D. novem and D. rudis which are new records of host associations from Italy. Detailed descriptions and phylogenetic placements for the above five species are provided. This study provides an updated list of Diaporthe species related to their host associations in Italy.

Automated summary

This study provides new insights into the host associations of Diaporthe species in Italy. By combining morphological and molecular data, ten Diaporthe strains from ten host species were identified, and their relationships with their hosts were recorded.