Identification and Characterization of <i>Cercospora malayensis</i> Causing Leaf Spot on Kenaf

Abstract

In September 2013 and 2014, a significant number of kenaf plants showing symptoms of leaf spots with approximately 50% incidence were found in experimental plots in Iksan and Namwon, Korea. Leaf spots were circular to irregular, more or less vein-limited, reaching to 10 mm in diameter. The spots were initially uniformly brown to reddish brown, turning pale brown with a purplish margin and showing grayish patches on the lesion due to heavy fructification. The causative agent of the leaf spot disease was identified as <i>Cercospora malayensis</i>. The pathogenicity test was conducted with similar results, which fulfilled Koch's postulates. This is the first report of <i>C. malayensis</i> infection of kenaf in Korea.