The foliar nematode, Aphelenchoides fragariae, on Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus Tuberosus) and weigela (Weigela subsessilis)

Severe infestations of the foliar nematode, Aphelenchoides fragariae, were observed on leaves of two ornamental plants, Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosum) and weigela (Weigela subsessilis), growing in natural areas in Gyeonggi and Gwangweon provinces, Korea. The symptoms observed on both host plants were typical of foliar nematode infection and consisted of leaf blotching, discoloration and browning of tissues, tan-colored interveinal necrotic lesions and large dead patches of necrotic tissues. Aphelenchoides fragariae was isolated from all diseased leaf tissues; no fungus or bacterium was associated with the symptoms. This is the first report of A. fragariae occurring on H. tuberosus and W. subsessilis.