Lasiodiplodia theobromae is a cosmopolitan, polyphagous and opportunistic fungus with reduced pathogenic specialization, which is capable of infecting plant species in tropical and temperate regions, causing varied symptoms. This study aimed to characterize L. theobromae isolates associated with tropical fruit plants in Northeastern Brazil, considering their cultural, morphological and pathogenic characteristics. The evaluated aspects were mycelial growth, colony coloration, conidium dimension and pathogenicity of the isolates for seedlings of yellow mombin (Spondias mombin L.), cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.), soursop (Annona muricata L.), and Brazil plum (Spondias tuberosa Arruda). Data of morphological and cultural characterization revealed diversity in the pathogen population. High pathogenic variability was also detected, although no pathogenic specificity was found for cashew. Brazil plum showed higher relative resistance to the fungus. The data also demonstrated interaction between morphocultural characteristics and aggressiveness of L. theobromae isolates.
Cashew; soursop; Spondias; inoculation
