First Report of Corynespora Leaf Spot in Pepper Caused by Corynespora cassicola in Korea

A corynespora leaf spot of pepper, which has not been reported previously in Korea, occurred severely at the major pepper cultivation area of Chinju, Gyeongnam province in 2001. Infection rate ranged from 48.2 to 84.7% in eight fields surveyed. The causal fungus was identified as Corynespora cassicola based on the following cultural and morphological characteristics. The fungi grew well on potato dextrose agar, showing gray to brown color with cultural age. Conidia formed solitary or catenary were obclavate to cylindrical in shape, and pale olivaceous brown or brown in color. They had 420 pseudoseptate and isthmus, and measured 42.7-197.6 x 9.3-$23.5\mu\textrm{m}$. Septate conidiophores were pale to light brown in color, and measured 116.5-836.0 x 4.2-$11.0\mu\textrm{m}$. Conidia germinated as a bi-polar type. Optimal temperature for mycelial growth and conidial germination was $30^{\circ}$ and 25-$30^{\circ}$, respectively. The fungus showed strong pathogenicity to pepper plant, and the symtoms on pepper by the artificial inoculation were similar to those observed in the field. This is the first report on the corynespora leaf spot on pepper (Capsium annuum) caused by Corynespora cassicola in Korea.