Abstract
Prunus persica (peach) is a major fruit species in global agriculture, with Spain and Italy being the leading producers in the European Union. As agriculture is subject to increasing pressure to reduce agrochemicals, effective management of diseases such as twig canker and shoot blight (TCSB) becomes crucial. Diaporthe amygdali, the primary fungal pathogen responsible for TCSB, causes a significant dieback of shoots, flowers, leaves, and branches, typically during late winter or early spring. Despite its considerable impact, there is a lack of comprehensive knowledge on the biological characteristics of this pathogen in Italian peach orchards. This study aimed to address these gaps by characterizing D. amygdali isolates from symptomatic trees in a productive region of northern Italy, Emilia Romagna. Morphological and molecular analyses were conducted, and mycelial extension was assessed at different temperatures to assess optimal growth conditions. The findings provide valuable insights into the thermal responses of D. amygdali, contributing to the development of decision support systems for more precise and targeted disease control strategies.