Soft Rot of Rhizopus oryzae as a Postharvest Pathogen of Banana Fruit in Korea

Soft rot on banana fruit caused by Rhizopus oryzae was identified for the first time in Korea. Colonies were white to light brown and formed numerous sporangiospores. Optimum temperature for mycelial growth was $30^{\circ}C$. Sporangia were globose and $30{\sim}200{\mu}m$. Sporangiophores were usually straight, $8{\sim}20{\mu}m$, and rhizoids usually in groups of 3~5. Columella were globose to sub-globose and $90{\sim}110{\mu}m$. Sporangiospores were sub-globose or oval and $4{\sim}10{\mu}m$. Based on its mycological characteristics, molecular analysis, and pathogenicity to host plants, this fungus was identified as Rhizopus oryzae Went & Prisen Geerligs. This is the first report of soft rot on banana caused by Rhizopus oryzae in Korea.