Phylogeny and pathogenicity of Lasiodiplodia species associated with gummosis and dieback of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) in Burkina Faso

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) production in Burkina Faso is limited by dieback and gummosis disease, caused by Botryosphaeriaceae fungi. This study aimed to characterize Lasiodiplodia species associated with diseased cashew trees in Burkina Faso. Molecular analysis and pathogenicity tests of 37 fungal isolates revealed Lasiodiplodia euphorbicola, Lasiodiplodia brasiliense, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Lasiodiplodia crassispora, Lasiodiplodia pseudotheobromae, and Lasiodiplodia caatinguensis, pathogenic to cashew leaves in vitro and capable of inducing dieback symptoms on cashew and mango (Mangifera indica L.) seedlings. The diversity of pathogenic species and their virulence on multiple hosts underscore the urgency of implementing effective management strategies in Burkina Faso orchards.