First record of <i>Sclerotinia sclerotiorum</i> on tree tomato in Ecuador

Resumen

Cyphomandra betacea (tree tomato) plants with stem lesions were observed in an orchard in Tungurahua province, Ecuador. Dissection of the stems showed the presence of black sclerotia. Further laboratory analysis and pathogenicity tests revealed that Sclerotinia sclerotiorum was the causal agent of the disease. Although recorded in New Zealand, this is the first report of the pathogen affecting tree tomato in Ecuador.