Diseases of (Poaceae) in China: sp. nov.

Five strains isolated from diseased leaves of lemongrass () in Guangxi Province, China, were examined. NCBI-Blast searches of ITS sequences suggested a high degree of similarity (99-100%) to , , , and . To accurately identify these strains, we further analysed their morphology and phylogenetic relationships based on combinations of ITS, GAPDH, and 1 gene sequences. Morphological observations indicated that the key character differing from similar species was conidial size, whereas phylogenetic analyses indicated that the five strains represent one species that is also distinct from , and by conidial size and conidiophore length. Thus, the strains examined are found to represent a new species described herein as . The pathogenicity test on the host and detached leaves confirmed the new species to be pathogenic on leaves. Standardised requirements for reliable identification of pathogens are also proposed.