Identification and Characterization of Fungal Pathogens Causing Branch Blight on Landscape Trees in Residential Areas

This study was conducted to identify the major pathogens causing branch dieback symptoms in landscape trees in residential areas and to evaluate their biological characteristics and fungicide sensitivity. Fungal isolates were obtained from nine tree species in Cheongju of Chungbuk. Multi-gene phylogenetic analysis using internal transcribed spacer, translation elongation factor 1-α, and β-tubulin identified the pathogens as Diaporthe eres, Botryosphaeria dothidea, Neopestalotiopsis clavispora, and Pestalotiopsis trachycarpicola. D. eres showed high isolation frequency across various hosts, while B. dothidea exhibited the strongest pathogenicity in virulence tests. Mycelial growth of N. clavispora and P. trachycarpicola was significantly inhibited at 30°C. Among 16 fungicides tested, benzimidazoles, fluazinam and DMIs (Demethylation Inhibitors) fungicides showed high inhibitory effects against all major pathogens. These results provide fundamental data for the accurate diagnosis and effective management of branch dieback in residential landscape trees.