Alternaria species causing pomegranate and citrus fruit rots in Albania

The fungal genus Alternaria is a relevant pathogen for several commodities including citrus and pomegranate fruits. On citrus, it mainly causes brown spots on fruits and leaves, whereas on pomegranate, it mostly causes a fruit heart rot. In the present study the presence of Alternaria rots on citrus and pomegranate fruits cultivated in Albania was assessed. Representative fruits were collected from different regions. Nineteen and thirteen Alternaria spp. isolates were obtained from pomegranate and citrus samples, respectively. The isolates were identified at species and morphotype level. Micro and macroscopic features separated isolates into four morphotypes. BLAST and phylogenetic analysis using the SCAR Marker OPA1-3 confirmed the isolate identity. All 32 isolates proved to be Alternaria alternata and belonged mainly to morphotype alternata, followed by limoniasperae and tenuissima. All Alternaria strains proved to possess the pksI gene of alternariol biosynthesis. Citrus isolates were tested for the presence of genes of the biosynthesis of the phytotoxins ACT and ACR, but none of them proved to possess them. Concluding, Alternaria spp. might represent a treat to pomegranate and citrus production in Albania, and thus effective control means are needed.