Characterization of Diaporthe species associated with peach constriction canker, with two novel species from China

Species of infect a wide range of plants and live as endophytes, saprobes or pathogens. However, those in peach plants are poorly characterized. In this study, 52 strains were isolated from peach branches with buds, showing constriction canker symptoms. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted using five gene regions: internal transcribed spacer of the ribosomal DNA (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-α ( ), ß-tubulin ( ), histone ( ), and calmodulin ( ). These results coupled with morphology revealed seven species of , including five known species ( , , , , and ). In addition, two novel species and are introduced. Except for the previously reported , this study represents the first characterization of species associated with peach constriction canker in China, and contributes useful data for practicable disease management.