First report of Phyllosticta capitalensis causing leaf spot of Japanese privet ( Ligustrum japonicum) in Iran

During 2017–2018, leaf spots were observed on Japanese privet plants in commercial greenhouses and ornamental nurseries in Tehran, Fars and Bushehr provinces, Iran. Due to the high severity of the symptoms, this study was conducted to identify the causal agents. Based on morphological characteristics and molecular analyses of six loci (ITS, act , tef1 , gapdh , LSU, and rpb2 ), the strains isolated were identified as Phyllosticta capitalensis. Pathogenicity was verified with Koch’s postulates. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of P. capitalensis causing leaf spot on Japanese privet in Iran.