First report of powdery mildew, caused by Arthrocladiella mougeotii, on Goji berry in Turkey

Abstract

Lycium barbarum, known as Goji berry or wolfberry, is a Chinese medicine plant in the family Solanaceae, and has been recently cultivated in Bolu, Turkey. During autumn 2015, severe powdery mildew symptoms were observed on Goji berry plantation area. White to grayish white fungal mycelia were shown on leaves and stems. Also, brownish discolorations and defoliation were exhibited. Microscope examination showed that conidia were formed in chains, hyaline, short-cylindrical and their length and width ranged from 19 to 31(mean=26.2)µm and from 10 to 14.5(mean=13.2)µm, respectively. Apothecial structures were not observed. The fungus was identified as Arthrocladiella mougeotii on the basis of morphological characteristics and the host specialization (Braun, 1987).