First report of root rot of goji (Lycium barbarum), caused by Fusarium sambucinum

In July 2022, root rot was observed in several goji (Lycium barbarum) orchards located in Qinghai Province, China. Approximately 40% of the goji plants were affected in the orchards. Morphology of fungi isolated from affected plant, phylogenetic analyses, using internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF), and trichothecene (Tri5) sequences, as well as pathogenicity assays, were conducted to characterize and identify the causing agent of goji root rot. Isolate GQGF1-3 caused typical symptoms of L. barbarum root rot. Fungal colony characteristics and conidium morphology, combined with ITS, TEF, and Tri5 sequences showed that isolate GQGF1-3 was Fusarium sambucinum. This is the first report of F. sambucinum causing root rot of goji.