Species diversity of <i>Cytospora</i> associated with forest canker diseases in Xizang (Tibet), China

<i>Cytospora</i> is a widespread fungal genus that causes canker diseases in woody plants worldwide. Recent studies have clarified the classification of this genus by combing phylogenetic analysis and morphological characteristics. However, the species diversity of <i>Cytospora</i> in the high-altitude forests of the Xizang (Tibet) Autonomous Region in China has not been systematically studied. In the present study, 136 isolates were collected from cankered branches of woody plants in Xizang and identified using multigene phylogenetics, culture characteristics and morphology. As a result of these analyses, the genus was divided into 10 species complexes (<i>Beilinensis</i> SC, <i>Chrysosperma</i> SC, <i>Euonymicola</i> SC, <i>Japonica</i> SC, <i>Kantschavelii</i> SC, <i>Leucostoma</i> SC, <i>Pruinosa</i> SC, <i>Ribis</i> SC, <i>Sacchari</i> SC and <i>Viticola</i> SC) and 12 singletons. In total 50 species were identified, of which 23 were found to be new to science. This study highlights the species diversity of forest pathogens in Xizang, providing valuable information for future disease management practices. <b>Citation:</b> Jiang N, Voglmayr H, Li JR, Xue H, Li Y, Crous PW (2025). Species diversity of <i>Cytospora</i> associated with forest canker diseases in Xizang (Tibet), China. <i>Persoonia</i> <b>55</b>: 361-438. doi: 10.3114/persoonia.2025.55.10.