Microfungi associated with Camellia sinensis: A case study of leaf and shoot necrosis on Tea in Fujian, China

Abstract

Camellia sinensis, commonly known as tea, is one of the most economically important crops in China. Shoot and leaf necrosis in tea is of considerable concern as it directly affects the quality and quantity of tea leaf harvest. In the present study, diseased leaves and shoots were collected from Fujian Province to identify the fungal species associated with the disease. In total 110 strains were isolated and they were identified by morphological characteristics and multi-locus phylogenetic approaches. Thirty–two species belonging to 13 genera and 11 families associated with shoot and leaf necrosis of tea were identified. Five new species; Chaetomium camelliae, Diaporthe fujianensis, D. fusiformis, D. sinensis and Trichoderma camelliae are introduced. In addition, nine novel host records are reported. These results indicate high species richness on tea leaves and shoots. In addition, a checklist for fungi associated with C. sinensis worldwide is provided. Information presented in this study provides new insights into fungi associated with leaf necrosis and shoot blight of C. sinensis in China. However, further studies are necessary to understand the pathogenic potential and biocontrol ability of the species identified in this study.