Neopestalotiopsis asiatica strain CP1 Causing Leaf Blight on Zedoary Turmeric in Guangxi, China

Abstract Background Zedoary turmeric (Curcuma phaeocaulis), a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicines in Guangxi Province, holds immense significance. Regrettably, the emergence of a novel leaf wilt in October 2017 has cast a pall over its production, leading to detrimental impacts on both yield and quality. Results By meticulous single-conidial isolation, this new pathogen was successfully extracted from ten diseased leaves. Subsequent confirmation of pathogenicity was achieved via the meticulous execution of Koch's postulates. In pursuit of accurate identification, morphological data were harmonized with a concatenated sequence analysis of the rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1 (TEF), and β-tubulin (TUB) regions. This rigorous approach unveiled the pathogen as an Neopestalotiopsis asiatica, warranting the nomenclature Neopestalotiopsis asiatica strain CP. Conclusions This is the first description on Neopestalotiopsis asiatica as causal agent for leaf blight on zedoary turmeric. The ramifications of this pathogen's definitive identification and ongoing surveillance cannot be overstated, signifying a pivotal alert to zedoary turmeric cultivators in confronting this newfound peril.