Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Apple Scab (Venturia inaequalis) in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan
Kostyukova V. Pozharskiy A. Khusnitdinova M. Nizamdinova G. Gritsenko D.
December 2025Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)
Current Issues in Molecular Biology
2025#47Issue 12
Apple scab, caused by the fungus Venturia inaequalis, is one of the most widespread and economically significant diseases of apple orchards, leading to reduced photosynthesis, fruit damage, and yield losses of up to 70%. In this study, a survey of 30 wild and cultivated apple populations in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan was conducted, encompassing 302 samples. The pathogen was detected in 8 populations (48 samples), corresponding to an infection rate of 16%. Molecular identification using the EF-1α marker and ITS region sequencing definitively confirmed the presence of V. inaequalis in all positive samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed clear population structuring: isolates from Kyrgyzstan formed a distinct clade close to international lineages, while Kazakh isolates showed high genetic variation. These findings highlight the ongoing presence of V. inaequalis in Central Asia and emphasize the importance of combining morphological, molecular, and phylogenetic methods for effective pathogen monitoring and control.
Malus domestica , Malus sieversii , molecular identification , morphological characterization , phylogenetic analysis
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Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Research Center AgriBioTech, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
Laboratory of Molecular Biology
Research Center AgriBioTech
Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology
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