Alternaria alternata
alternaria leaf spot
Alternaria alternata f.sp. fragariae
Alternaria alternata f.sp. lycopersici
Alternaria fasciculata
Alternaria tenuis
Worldwide
AL, CA, FL, GA, IL, IA, LA, MI, MS, NY, OR, PA, SD, TN, TX
2025-09-08
fungus
Korea
Main: allium, pepper; Other: watermelon, sunflower, sorghum, spinach, marigold, many fruits and trees
ALTEAL
Alternaria alternata is a widespread fungus that can persist in soil and crop debris for many years, enabling it to infect plants across successive growing seasons. Its spores are dispersed by air, wind, water splash, irrigation, and contact with contaminated plant material. Numerous studies have demonstrated its transmission under experimental conditions, and it has been shown to be seed-transmitted in a few crops within the Malvaceae family.
21 Known Hosts
Allium cepa
onion
No
ALTEAL-4, CABI CPC, ALTEAL-39
No references found indicating seed is a pathway. Onion has been reported a host of the pathogen. This fungus is ubiquitous and found on many plant species.
2025-09-08 11:15:51
Richardson MJ, 1990. An Annotated List of Seed-borne Disease. International Seed Testing Association, Zurich, Switzerland
Crop Protection Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. www.cabi.org/cpc.
Reyes-Tena, A., Montoya-Martínez, A. C., Fernández-Pavía, S. P., Santillán-Mendoza, R., Jiménez-Villegas, A., Pineda-Vaca, D., & Rodríguez-Alvarado, G. (2024). Onion leaf blight caused by Alternaria alternata sensu lato and Stemphylium vesicarium in Michoacán, México. Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology, 46(2), 79-88.
Beta vulgaris
table beet, swiss chard
No
ALTEAL-4
Alternaria alternata is a weak pathogen of Beta vulgaris and can be found on seed under laboratory conditions, including artificially inoculated or lab-tested material. However, no evidence exists of natural seed-to-plant transmission, and the seed pathway for this fungus is not supported. Its primary presence is in soil and plant debris, and while it can affect seed germination in laboratory tests, seed is not considered a pathway.
2025-09-08 11:30:57
Richardson MJ, 1990. An Annotated List of Seed-borne Disease. International Seed Testing Association, Zurich, Switzerland
Brassicaceae family
cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, rapeseed, turnip, chinese cabbage, mustard, radish
uncertain
ALTEAL-7, CABI CPC, ALTEAL-40, ALTEAL-41
Alternaria alternata has occasionally been found on Brassicaceae, including Brassica oleracea, but these occurrences are considered opportunistic. Evidence is limited, reports are few and mostly based on laboratory detection, and transmission has only been demonstrated artificially, not under natural conditions.
chemical
Seed treatments are reported to be effective.
2025-09-08 11:48:03
Tohyama A and Tsuda, M. 1995. Alternaria on cruciferous plants. 4. Alternaria species on seed of some cruciferous crops and their pathogenicity. Mycoscience 36: 257-26
Crop Protection Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. www.cabi.org/cpc.
Kubota, M., Abiko, K., Yanagisawa, Y and Nishi, K. (2006). Frequency of Alternaria brassicicola in commercial cabbage seeds in Japan. Journal of General Plant Pathology 72: 197-204.
Ismail, M., Anwar, S. A., Iqbal, A., Ahmad, N., & Arain, M. A. (2012). Seed-borne fungi associated with cauliflower seeds and their role in seed germination. Pakistan Journal of Phytopathology (Pakistan), 24(1).
Capsicum annuum
pepper
No
ALTEAL-5, ALTEAL-6, CABI CPC, ALTEAL-42
Two references report that Alternaria alternata can be associated with pepper seeds, indicating the fungus may be present on or in seed under certain conditions. However, these studies are limited in scope, and there is no evidence demonstrating that the fungus can naturally infect seedlings or spread from seed to plant. Overall, the data are insufficient and unverified.
Seed treatments may be used as a prophylactic measure against the fungus.
CABI CPC
2025-09-08 12:32:54
Wall MM and Biles CL. 1993. Alternaria Fruit Rot of Ripening Chili Peppers. Phytopathology 83:324-328
Kumari K, Jadeja GC. and Patel, ST. 2012. Seed borne mycoflora of chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) cultivars collected from different locations of Gujarat. Journal of Plant Disease Sciences 7: 55-59.
Crop Protection Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. www.cabi.org/cpc.
Balamurugan, A., & Kumar, A. (2023). Postharvest fruit rot of Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum L.): Pathogenicity and Host range of Alternaria alternata. Scientia Horticulturae, 319, 112156.
Citrullus lanatus
watermelon
No
ALTEAL-4
No references found indicating that watermelon seed is a pathway.
2025-09-08 12:37:50
Richardson MJ, 1990. An Annotated List of Seed-borne Disease. International Seed Testing Association, Zurich, Switzerland
Cucumis melo
melon
uncertain
ALTEAL-4, ALTEAL-8, ALTEAL-9, ALTEAL-43, ALTEAL-44 , ALTEAL-45
Some reports indicate that the fungus can be detected on seed, but this is thought to represent surface contamination rather than true internal infection. No studies were found to demonstrate natural seed-to-seedling transmission, and there is no experimental or observational evidence showing that seed contributes to disease spread under natural conditions. Melon seed as a pathway remains uncertain.
2025-09-08 12:38:36
Richardson MJ, 1990. An Annotated List of Seed-borne Disease. International Seed Testing Association, Zurich, Switzerland
Cruz-Chouque, D., Blanco, R. and Tello, J.C. (1999). Spectrum of seed-associated fungi on Cucumis melo L. before its conservation into a germplasm bank. I International Symposium on Cucurbits. Acta Horticulturae ISHS, 492, 201-206
Vakalounakis DJ. 2017. Alternaria leaf spot. In, Compendium of Cucurbit Diseases and Pests, Second Ed. Keinath AP, Wintermantel WM and Zitter TA, eds. The American Pathological Society, St. Paul, MN, USA.
Ahmed, M. Z., Saeed, S., Hassan, A., Ghuffar, S., Abdullah, A., Iqbal, R., ... & Shafique, M. S. (2021). Alternaria alternata causing leaf spot of Cucumis melo (Muskmelon) in Pakistan. Plant Disease, 105(6), 1853.
Flores-León, A., García-Martínez, S., González, V., Garcés-Claver, A., Martí, R., Julián, C., ... & Picó, B. (2021). Grafting snake melon [Cucumis melo L. subsp. melo Var. flexuosus (L.) Naudin] in organic farming: Effects on agronomic performance; resistance to pathogens; sugar, acid, and VOC profiles; and consumer acceptance. Frontiers in Plant Science, 12, 613845.
Sharma, A., Katoch, V., & Rana, C. (2016). 18 important diseases of Cucurbitaceous crops and their management. Handbook of cucurbits growth, cultural practices and physiology. Edition: First, 301-320.
Cucumis sativus
cucumber
uncertain
ALTEAL-4, ALTEAL-8, ALTEAL-9, ALTEAL-46, ALTEAL-47
While Alternaria alternata has been associated with cucumber through leaf spot diseases, there is no conclusive evidence demonstrating natural seed-to-seedling transmission. The available studies primarily focus on foliar infections and do not provide definitive proof of seedborne transmission. Cucumber seed as a pathway for A. alternata remains unproven.
chemical
Seed treatments have shown to be effective.
ALTEAL-48
2025-09-08 13:02:53
Richardson MJ, 1990. An Annotated List of Seed-borne Disease. International Seed Testing Association, Zurich, Switzerland
Cruz-Chouque, D., Blanco, R. and Tello, J.C. (1999). Spectrum of seed-associated fungi on Cucumis melo L. before its conservation into a germplasm bank. I International Symposium on Cucurbits. Acta Horticulturae ISHS, 492, 201-206
Vakalounakis DJ. 2017. Alternaria leaf spot. In, Compendium of Cucurbit Diseases and Pests, Second Ed. Keinath AP, Wintermantel WM and Zitter TA, eds. The American Pathological Society, St. Paul, MN, USA.
Vakalounakis, D. J., & Malathrakis, N. E. (1988). A cucumber disease caused by Alternaria alternata and its control. Journal of Phytopathology, 121(4), 325-336.
Pareek, DEEPENDRA., Khokhar, M. K., & Ahir, R. R. (2012). Management of leaf spot pathogen (Alternaria alternata) of cucumber (Cucumis sativus). Green Farming, 3(5), 569-573.
Malathrakis, N. E., & Vakalounakis, D. J. (1988). A Cucumber Disease Caused by Alternaria alternata and its Control. Journal of Phytopathology, 121(4).
Daucus carota
carrot
uncertain
ALTEAL-10, ALTEAL-11, ALTEAL-12, ALTEAL-49, ALTEAL-50
A. alternata can be detected on carrot seeds, but it is most likely a surface contaminant rather than an internal seedborne pathogen. No references were found demonstrating natural seed-to-seedling transmission or showing that seed contributes to disease spread under natural conditions. In laboratory studies, A. alternata can produce toxins that may negatively affect germination, but there is no evidence that this occurs in nature. Compared with A. dauci and A. radicini, which are important seedborne pathogens of carrot, A. alternata plays a minor role.
Yes
Blotter incubation
Blotter incubation assays (NSHS, 2020) used for A. dauci and A. radicini should detect A. alternata on seed.
ALTEAL-30, NSHS USDA
Chemical
Seed treatments; Hot water treatments. See A. dauci and A. radicini. Seed treatments and disinfectants used for these pathogens should also be effective for A. alternata.
ALTEAL-51
2025-09-08 13:12:14
Lima, Cristina Batista de, Rentschler, Luana Lopes Assumpção, Bueno, João Tavares, & Boaventura, Ana Cláudia. (2016). Plant extracts and essential oils on the control of Alternaria alternata , Alternaria dauci and on the germination and emergence of carrot seeds ( Daucus carota L.). Ciência Rural, 46: 764-770. https://dx.doi.org/10.1590/0103-8478cr20141660
Tylkowska, K.; Grabarkiewicz-Szczesna, J.; Iwanowska, H. 2003. Production of toxins by Alternaria alternata and A. radicina and their effects on germination of carrot seeds. Seed Science and Technology 31:309-316
Konstantinova P, Bonnants PJ, van Gent-Pelzer MP, van der Zouwen P and van den Bulk R. 2002. Development of specific primers for detection and identification of Alternaria spp. in carrot material by PCR and comparison with blotter and plating assays. Mycol. Res. 106: 23–33
Zhang, X., Wang, R., Ning, H., Li, W., Bai, Y., & Li, Y. (2020). Evaluation and management of fungal-infected carrot seeds. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 10808.
Singh, G. (2013). Epidemiology and management of Alternaria blight on seed crop of carrot (Daucus carota) (Doctoral dissertation, M. Sc. Thesis, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab, India).
United Stated Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Protection Service National Seed Health System (USDA-APHIS NSHS) www.seedhealth.org
United Stated Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Protection Service National Seed Health System (USDA-APHIS NSHS) www.seedhealth.org
Dorna, H., Rosińska, A., & Szopińska, D. (2021). The Effect of Acetic Acid Treatments on the Quality of Stored Carrot (Daucus carota L.) Seeds. Agronomy, 11(6), 1176.
Glycine max
soybean
uncertain
ALTEAL-13, ALTEAL-14, ALTEAL-15, CABI CPC, ALTEAL-52
Alternaria alternata primarily infects soybean leaves, causing leaf spot disease. The fungus has been detected on seed, but this is generally thought to represent surface contamination rather than internal infection. No studies have demonstrated natural seed-to-seedling transmission, and there is no evidence that seed contributes to disease spread under field conditions. Transmission has only been shown under artificial laboratory conditions.
Yes
Blotter incubation, Culture plating
Both methods were used for research purposes. The Blotter incubation method was described for A. alternata on zinnia. These methods have not been standardized or validated.
ALTEAL-15, ALTEAL-16
chemical
Fungicide seed treatments have been described for other hosts. No information on soybean found. Pathogen management is rarely required. Seed contamination increases with delayed harvest, freezing and beetle injury.
ALTEAL-13, CABI CPC
2025-09-08 13:23:47
Hartman GL, Sikora EJ and Rupe JC. 2015. Soybean rust. In: Compendium of Soybean Diseases and Pests, Fifth Edition G. L. Hartman, J. C. Rupe, E. J. Sikora, L. L. Domier, J. A. Davis and K. L. Steffey, Eds. The APS Press. St. Paul, MN.
Shortt BJ, Sinclair JB, Helm CG, Jeffords MR, and Kogan M. 1982. Soybean Seed Quality Losses Associated with Bean Leaf Beetles and Alternaria tenuissima. Phytopathology 72: 615-618
Kunwar IK, Manandhar JB, and Sinclair JB. 1986. Histopathology of Soybean Seeds Infected with Alternaria alternata. Phytopathology 76: 543-546.
Crop Protection Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. www.cabi.org/cpc.
Pikovskyi, M., & Solomiichuk, M. (2022). Identification of Mycobiota and Diagnosis of Soybean Seed Diseases. Plant & Soil Science, 13(1).
Ska DS, Tylkowska K, Deng CHJ and Gao Y, 2012. Comparison of modified blotter and agar incubation methods for detecting fungi in Zinnia elegans seeds. Seed Science and Technology, 40:32-42.
Gossypium spp.
cotton
uncertain
ALTEAL-17, ALTEAL-18, ALTEAL-19, ALTEAL-53, ALTEAL-54, ALTEAL-55
Alternaria alternata has been detected on cotton seed, and seed transmission has been confirmed in other Malvaceae species, leading to the assumption that cotton seed could serve as a pathway. Some sources report its survival on or within seed and potential spread through contaminated seed lots, while others only list it among fungi isolated from seed without providing transmission data. No studies were found that conclusively demonstrate natural seed-to-seedling transmission in cotton, so the role of seed as a pathway remains documented but uncertain.
Yes
Culture plating
Culture plating was used in surveys. This method has not been standardized or validated.
ALTEAL-18
Seed treatments affective against A. alternata have been described for other hosts.
CABI CPC, ALTEAL-56
2025-09-08 15:13:27
Bell AA and Medrano EG. 2004. Frequency and Pathogenicity of Microorganisms Associted with Cotton Seed Rot in South Carolina. 2004 Beltwide Cotton Conferences, San Antonio TX. https://naldc.nal.usda.gov/download/11975/PDF
Rathod SR and Chaven AM. 2010. Incidence of Alternaria Species on Different Cereals, Pulses and Oil Seeds. Journ. of Ecobiotech 2:63-65
Rathod, SR.2012. Seed Borne Alternaria species: A Review. Curretn Botany 3:21-23
Bashan, Y., Levanony, H., & Or, R. (1991). Wind dispersal of Alternaria alternata, a cause of leaf blight of cotton. Journal of Phytopathology, 133(3), 225-238.
Le, D. P., & Gregson, A. (2019). Alternaria leaf spot of cotton seedlings grown in New South Wales, Australia, is predominantly associated with Alternaria alternata. Australasian Plant Pathology, 48(3), 209-216.
BISWAL, K. A. (2021). Cotton seeds association microbes and their impact on seed health.
Crop Protection Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. www.cabi.org/cpc.
Venkatesh, I., & Darvin, G. (2016). An overview on cotton Alternaria leaf spot and its management. Int J Appl Bio Pharm Tech, 7(2), 135.
Helianthus annuus
sunflower
No
ALTEAL-20, ALTEAL-21, ALTEAL-22, CABI CPC, ALTEAL-57, ALTEAL-58, ALTEAL-59, ALTEAL-60
Alternaria alternata has been detected on sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seeds, but seed-to-seedling transmission under natural conditions has not been conclusively demonstrated. Some studies suggest infected seeds could act as a source of inoculum, yet this does not confirm seedborne transmission. The presence of multiple Alternaria species on sunflower, including A. helianthi and A. zinniae, whose symptoms and seed occurrence overlap with A. alternata, can lead to misidentification. Consequently, while A. alternata occurs on seeds, its status as a seedborne pathogen in sunflower remains uncertain.
Yes
Blotter incubation
This method was used in seed surveys and has not been standardized or validated.
ALTEAL-21, ALTEAL-22
chemical
Seed treatments affective against A. alternaria have been described for other hosts.
CABI CPC, ALTEAL-61
2025-09-08 16:10:03
Kgatle MG, Flett B, Truter M, Ramusi M and
Aveling T. 2019. Distribution of Alternaria leaf blight of sunflowers caused by
Alternaria alternata in South Africa
Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development in the Tropics and Subtropics 120:71-77
Abdullah SK and Al-Mosawi KA. 2010. Fungi Associated with Seeds of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) Cultivars Grown in Iraq.Phytopathologia 57: 11–20
Sharfun-Nahar, Mushtaq M, and Hashmi MH. 2005. Seed-borne Mycoflora of Sunflower. (Helianthus annuus L.) Pak. J. Bot., 37(2): 451-457
Crop Protection Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. www.cabi.org/cpc.
Kgatle, M. G., Truter, M., Ramusi, T. M., Flett, B., & Aveling, T. A. S. (2018). Alternaria alternata, the causal agent of leaf blight of sunflower in South Africa. European Journal of Plant Pathology, 151(3), 677-688.
Edwards, T. P., Trigiano, R. N., Wadl, P. A., Ownley, B. H., Windham, A. S., & Hadziabdic, D. (2017). First report of Alternaria alternata causing leaf spot on whorled sunflower (Helianthus verticillatus) in the southeast United States. Plant Disease, 101(4), 632-632.
Wachowska, U., Kwiatkowska, E., & Pluskota, W. (2021). Alternaria alternata as a Seed-Transmitted Pathogen of Sida hermaphrodita (Malvaceae) and Its Suppression by Aureobasidium pullulans. Agriculture, 11(12), 1264.
Patil, A. C., Suryawanshi, A. P., Anbhule, K. A., Raner, R. B., & Hurule, S. S. (2018). Detection of sunflower seedborne mycoflora and their effect on seed and seedling parameters. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, 6, 2509-2514.
Kgatle, M. G., Flett, B., Truter, M., & Aveling, T. A. S. (2020). Control of Alternaria leaf blight caused by Alternaria alternata on sunflower using fungicides and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Crop Protection, 132, 105146.
Hordeum vulgare
barley
uncertain
ALTEAL-24, ALTEAL-25, ALTEAL-72
Alternaria alternata is a common, weak pathogen of barley that can colonize grains. It has been detected on barley seeds in laboratory surveys, and under certain conditions, the fungus can produce toxins that may reduce grain quality. However, there is no verified evidence that A. alternata is naturally transmitted through barley seed, and any effects on germination or seedling health have been observed only under artificial or controlled conditions. Because of this, the seed pathway in barley is considered uncertain.
Yes
Culture plating, Blotter and Freezing blotter incubation
These methods has not been standardized or validated.
ALTEAL-24, ALTEAL-25
Seed treatments affective against A. alternaria have been described for other hosts.
CABI CPC
2025-09-09 10:58:53
Rabie CJ, Liibben A, Marais GJ, Jansen van Vuuren, H.1997. Enumeration of fungi in barley. International Journal of Food Microbiology 35:Il7- 127
Fakheunnisa, Hashmi MH and Ghaffer A., 2006 Seed-borne Mycoflora of Wheat, Sorghum and Barley. Pak. J. Bot., 38: 185-192.
Agostinetto, L., Casa, R. T., Bogo, A., Alves, L., Vieira, J. D. A. L., Fingstag, M. D., & Rosa, J. M. D. (2020). Viability of seed-borne fungi Alternaria alternata, Bipolaris sorokiniana and Drechslera teres in barley seeds in the south of Brazil. Summa Phytopathologica, 46(1), 26-30.
Crop Protection Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. www.cabi.org/cpc.
Lactuca sativa
lettuce
uncertain
ALTEAL-26, ALTEAL-27, ALTEAL-4, ALTEAL-29
Alternaria alternata has been reported on lettuce, but is generally not considered a pathogen of this crop. The fungus has been detected on lettuce seed in laboratory surveys; however, no evidence was found confirming seed transmission. A. alternata is not listed as a pathogen in the most recent version of the Compendium of Lettuce Diseases and Pests (ALTEAL-27). Given the lack of verified field evidence, the seed pathway for A. alternata is uncertain.
Yes
Blotter incubation
Blotter incubation was used in surveys. This method has not been standardized or validated.
ALTEAL-26
Seed treatments affective against A. alternata have been described for other hosts.
ALTEAL-1
2025-09-09 11:17:31
Muniz, PH, Marques, MG, Peixoto, GHS, Simão, KG and Carvalho, DDC. 2018. Morphological characterization of Alternaria alternata associated on iceberg lettuce seeds cv. 'Astra'. Revista de Agricultura Neotropical 5:82-86
Subbarao KV, Davis RM, GilbertsonRL, and Raid RN. 2017. PART I: Infectious Diseases. Compendium of Lettuce Diseases and Pests, Second Edition. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN, USA
Richardson MJ, 1990. An Annotated List of Seed-borne Disease. International Seed Testing Association, Zurich, Switzerland
Chen W and Hoáubowicz R. 2010. Effect of Treating Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Seeds with Solutions of Ethereal Oils From Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum camphora L.) and Patchouli Plant (Pogostemon cablin Benth.) on Their Germination. Acta Sci. Pol., Hortorum Cultus 9: 69-83
Alternaria alternata. In: Crop Protection Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. www.cabi.org/cpc.
Medicago sativa
alfalfa
No
ALTEAL-4, ALTEAL-31
A. alternata has been reported on alfalfa but it is considered a saprophyte of alfalfa. A. alternata has been found on seed, in laboratory surveys but, no references were found indicating seed transmission.
Blotter incubation
Blotter incubation was used in surveys. This method has not been standardized or validated.
ALTEAL-31
2025-09-08 16:05:47
Richardson MJ, 1990. An Annotated List of Seed-borne Disease. International Seed Testing Association, Zurich, Switzerland
Al-Askar, AA.A., Ghoneem, K.M. & Rashad, Y.M. 2012. Seed-borne mycoflora of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in the Riyadh Region of Saudi Arabia. Ann Microbiol 62, 273–281.
Phaseolus vulgaris
common bean
uncertain
ALTEAL-23, CABI CPC, ALTEAL-77, ALTEAL-78, ALTEAL-79
Alternaria alternata is a weak pathogen of beans and has been detected on bean seed in laboratory surveys. While it can produce toxins that may affect seed quality, there is no proven correlation between seed contamination and disease transmission under greenhouse or field conditions, and seed transmission has not been documented. Alternaria species in beans are generally not considered highly impactful, although they can cause typical leaf and pod blight with concentric necrotic spots and, in advanced stages, defoliation. Given the lack of verified field evidence, the seed pathway for A. alternata in beans is uncertain.
No
Seed treatments affective against A. alternata have been described for other hosts.
CABI CPC
2025-09-09 11:29:11
Moraes, M.H.D. and Menten, J.O.M. (2006). Transmission of Alternaria spp. by common bean seeds and its effects on physiological quality. Summa Phytopathologica 32(4):381-383
Crop Protection Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. www.cabi.org/cpc.
Mahmoud, S. Y., Hosseny, M. H., & Obiadalla, A. H. (2013). Seed borne fungal pathogens associated with common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) seeds and their impact on germination. Journal of Environmental Studies, 11(1), 19-26.
Gonzalez-Cruces, A., Arista-Carmona, E., Díaz-Arias, K. V., Ramírez-Razo, K., Hernández-Livera, A., Acevedo-Sánchez, G., ... & Mora-Aguilera, G. (2022). Epidemiology of Bean common mosaic virus and Alternaria alternata in 12 Phaseolus vulgaris genotypes. Revista mexicana de fitopatología, 40(2), 188-220.
Mena CJ y Velázquez RV. 2010. Manejo Integrado de Plagas y Enfermedades de Frijol en Zacatecas. Folleto Técnico No. 24. Campo Experimental Zacatecas. CIRNOC-INIFAP. 83 p.
Pisum sativum
pea
No
ALTEAL-4, ALTEAL-32, ALTEAL-62
A. alternata has been reported on pea but it is considered a saprophyte of pea plants and seed.. A. alternata has been found on seed, in laboratory surveys but, no references were found indicating seed transmission.
2025-09-08 16:23:35
Richardson MJ, 1990. An Annotated List of Seed-borne Disease. International Seed Testing Association, Zurich, Switzerland
Banniza, S. 2021. Alternaria Blight. In, PART I: Infectious Diseases, Compendium of Pea Diseases and Pests, Third Edition. Eds. R. M. Harveson, J. S. Pasche, L. Porter, W. Chen, and M. Burrows. pgs. 6-69
Youssef, M. A., Aly, A. Z., Tohamy, M. R. A., & Ghonim, M. I. (2018). Studies on fungi associated with pea seeds and their effect on germination and some seed characters. Zagazig Journal of Agricultural Research, 45(4), 1291-1308.
Solanum lycopersicum
tomato
uncertain
CABI CPC, RICH ISTA, ALTEAL-36, ALTEAL-37, ALTEAL-38, ALTEAL-80, ALTEAL-81
Alternaria alternata is a weak pathogen of tomato and a ubiquitous fungus commonly found in soil and crop debris. It can be detected on tomato seed in laboratory surveys or artificially inoculated seed, but no evidence exists of natural seed transmission. Laboratory experiments, including a study of 100 tomato seed samples, confirmed its presence among other seed-borne fungi and tested its pathogenicity and transmission on seedlings under controlled conditions. While A. alternata can produce toxins that may reduce germination in laboratory tests, its role in spreading disease via seed in natural conditions remains uncertain.
Yes
Blotter incubation
This method has not been standardized or validated and was used in laboratory research only.
ALTEAL-36
Seed treatments affective against A. alternata have been described for other hosts.
CABI CPC, ALTEAL-82
2025-09-09 11:51:52
Crop Protection Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. www.cabi.org/cpc.
Richardson, MJ. 1990. An Annotated List of Seedborne Diseases. International Seed Testing Association, Zurich Switzerland.
Sandulescu,EB, et. al. 2020. Influence of hydrolyzed collagen and thyme oil on tomato seed germination and their use in controlling Alternaria alternata f.sp. lycopersici. Rom Biotechnol Lett.; 25: 1223-1235.
Franceschini, A. et.al. 1980. Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) wilt caused by Alternaria alternata f.sp. lycopersici Grogan, Kimble & Misaghi. Studi Sassaresi, III 28: 257-269
Koike ST, et. al. Alternaria Stem Canker. 2014. Compendium of Tomato Diseases and Pests, Second Edition. Eds. Jeffrey B. Jones, Thomas A. Zitter, Timur M. Momol and Sally A. Miller. The American Phytopathological Society, St. Paul, MN, USA
Schmey T, Tominello-Ramirez CS, Brune C, Stam R. Alternaria diseases on potato and tomato. Mol Plant Pathol. 2024 Mar;25(3):e13435.
Ragupathi, K. P., Renganayaki, P. R., Sundareswaran, S., Kumar, S. M., & Kamalakannan, A. (2020). Seed mycobiome of tomato cultivar PKM 1. J. Entomol. Zool. Stud, 8(6), 1843-1846.
Yan F, Xu S, Guo J, Chen Q, Meng Q, Zheng X. Biocontrol of post-harvest Alternaria alternata decay of cherry tomatoes with rhamnolipids and possible mechanisms of action. J Sci Food Agric. 2015 May;95(7):1469-74.
Sorghum bicolor
sorghum
No
ALTEAL-25, CABI CPC, RICH ISTA, ALTEAL-63, ALTEAL-64, ALTEAL-65
A. alternata is an ubiquitous sporophyte and a weak pathogen of sorghum and has been found on sorghum grains, in laboratory surveys and it may affect grain quality. However, seed transmission is not known to occur.
Yes
Blotter incubation, Freezing blotter incubation
These methods has not been standardized or validated.
ALTEAL-25
chemical
Seed treatments affective against A. alternaria have been described for other hosts.
CABI CPC
2025-09-08 16:28:23
Fakheunnisa, Hashmi MH and Ghaffer A., 2006 Seed-borne Mycoflora of Wheat, Sorghum and Barley. Pak. J. Bot., 38: 185-192.
Crop Protection Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. www.cabi.org/cpc.
Richardson, MJ. 1990. An Annotated List of Seedborne Diseases. International Seed Testing Association, Zurich Switzerland.
Yago, J. I., Roh, J. H., Bae, S. D., Yoon, Y. N., Kim, H. J., & Nam, M. H. (2011). The effect of seed-borne mycoflora from sorghum and foxtail millet seeds on germination and disease transmission. Mycobiology, 39(3), 206-218.
Funnell-Harris, D. L., & Pedersen, J. F. (2008). Inoculation strategies to assess biological interactions between Fusarium and Alternaria species infecting sorghum. Canadian journal of plant pathology, 30(3), 404-413.
Terefe, T. G. (2002). Epidemiology of grain mould of sorghum in South Africa and Ethiopia (Doctoral dissertation, University of the Free State).
Spinacia oleracea
spinach
No
CABI CPC, RICH ISTA, ALTEAL-34, ALTEAL-35, ALTEAL-73, ALTEAL-74, ALTEAL-75
Alternaria alternata is a common fungus that can be found on spinach seed, particularly from farmer-saved or local sources that have not been cleaned or conditioned for commercial sale. While the fungus can survive on seed and may affect seed quality under laboratory conditions, there is no evidence that it is transmitted from seed to plant under natural conditions. Therefore, the seed pathway for A. alternata in spinach is considered.
Agar plating
This test has not been standardized or validated.
ALTEAL-35
CHemical
Seed treaments have shown to be effective.
ALTEAL-76
2025-09-09 11:21:48
Crop Protection Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. www.cabi.org/cpc.
Richardson, MJ. 1990. An Annotated List of Seedborne Diseases. International Seed Testing Association, Zurich Switzerland.
Anwar, W., et. al. 2010. Quality deterioration from fungi associated with spinach (Spinacia oleracea) seeds, collected from vegetable market of Lahore. Pakistan Journal of Seed Technology 2:58-62
Suprava, S. 2017. Seed Mycoflora, Pathogenicity and Control of Pathogens of Spinach. TUCL Digital Repository. http://107.170.122.150:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/823
Mancini, V., Murolo, S., & Romanazzi, G. (2016). Diagnostic methods for detecting fungal pathogens on vegetable seeds. Plant Pathology, 65(5), 691-703.
G., Matic, S., Gullino, M. L., & Garibaldi, A. (2019). First report of Alternaria alternata causing leaf spot on spinach (Spinacia oleracea) in Italy. Plant Disease, 103(8), 2133-2133.
Czajka, A., Czubatka, A., Sobolewski, J., & Robak, J. (2015). First report of Alternaria leaf spot caused by Alternaria alternata on spinach in Poland. Plant Disease, 99(5), 729-729.
KIRAREI, E. (2019). Occurrence and Management of Alternaria Leaf Spot in Spinach using extracts from Ginger and tumeric plants (Doctoral dissertation, University of Eldoret).
Triticum aestivum
wheat
No
ALTEAL-25, RICH ISTA, ALTEAL-66, ALTEAL-67, ALTEAL-83
Alternaria alternata is commonly detected on grains in seed health surveys and grain storage environments. It can colonize damaged or senescent tissues and may reduce grain quality. While it is frequently isolated from wheat, seed transmission is not known to occur.
Yes
Blotter incubation, Freezing blotter incubation
These methods has not been standardized or validated.
ALTEAL-25
Seed treatments affective against A. alternaria have been described for other hosts.
CABI CPC
2025-09-09 10:08:40
Fakheunnisa, Hashmi MH and Ghaffer A., 2006 Seed-borne Mycoflora of Wheat, Sorghum and Barley. Pak. J. Bot., 38: 185-192.
Richardson, MJ. 1990. An Annotated List of Seedborne Diseases. International Seed Testing Association, Zurich Switzerland.
Pathak, N., & Zaidi, R. K. (2013). Studies on seed-borne fungi of wheat in seed health testing programme. Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection, 46(4), 389–401.
Adhikari, C., Shahi, K. B., & Thapa, D. M. (2024). Seed Borne Infection And Management Of Alternaria Species In Wheat Cultivars. Science Heritage Journal (GWS), 8(1), 22-26. Casa, R. T., Kuhnem Junior, P. R., Bogo, A., Belani, A. M. M., Bolzan, J. M., Oliveira, F. S., & Blum, M. M. C. (2012). Survey, survival and control of Alternaria alternata in wheat seeds. Revista Brasileira de Sementes, 34, 358-365.
Casa, R. T., Kuhnem Junior, P. R., Bogo, A., Belani, A. M. M., Bolzan, J. M., Oliveira, F. S., & Blum, M. M. C. (2012). Survey, survival and control of Alternaria alternata in wheat seeds. Revista Brasileira de Sementes, 34, 358-365.
Crop Protection Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. www.cabi.org/cpc.
Zea mays
corn
uncertain
ALTEAL-28, CABI CPC, RICH ISTA, ALTEAL-68, ALTEAL-69, ALTEAL-70, ALTEAL-71
Alternaria alternata is commonly detected on corn seed and can be transmitted to germinating seeds and seedlings under laboratory conditions. However, evidence for natural seed-to-seedling transmission is limited, and most reports describe it as a saprophytic contaminant rather than a significant seed-borne pathogen.
Yes
Seed wash and visual examination
This test has not be validated or standardized. Blotter methods are used for other hosts and other species of Alternaria.
ALTEAL-28
Biological inoculants have been researched
ALTEAL-28
2025-09-09 10:51:31
McGee, DC. 1988. Maize Diseases: A reference Source for Seed Technologists. APS Press, St. Paul, MN USA. 150 pp.
Crop Protection Compendium. Wallingford, UK: CAB International. www.cabi.org/cpc.
Richardson, MJ. 1990. An Annotated List of Seedborne Diseases. International Seed Testing Association, Zurich Switzerland.
Basak, A. B., & Lee, M. W. (2002). Prevalence and Transmission of Seed-Borne Fungi of Maize Grown in a Farm of Korea. Mycobiology, 30(1), 47–50.
Sreenu, B., Girish, A. G., Alice, J., & Sujeetha, R. P. (2019). Identification and detection of maize seed borne pathogens using different seed testing methods. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, 8(10), 1460-1466.
Xu, X., Zhang, L., Yang, X., Cao, H., Li, J., Cao, P., ... & Xiang, W. (2022). Alternaria spp. associated with leaf blight of maize in Heilongjiang Province, China. Plant Disease, 106(2), 572-584.
Elwakil, M. A. R., Ghoneem, K. M., & Rehan, N. A. E. (2020). Prevalence and transmission of seed-borne fungi of maize and their control by phenolic antioxidants.
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