Neofusicoccum luteum associated with leaf necrosis and fruit rot of olives in New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

Neofusicoccum luteum is reported for the first time from olives (Olea europaea), causing fruit rot and leaf necrosis. Affected fruits initially became brown with pycnidia developing on the surface, later drying out and becoming mummified. The fungus was shown to be pathogenic on both fruits and leaves. The association of Botryosphaeriaceae with rotting olive fruits in Mediterranean regions and in New South Wales, Australia indicates that these fungi play a significant role in fruit rots of olives and deserve greater attention.