Molecular identification of two strains of Cercospora rodmanii isolated from water hyacinth present in Yuriria lagoon, Guanajuato, Mexico and identification of new hosts for several other strains

► The nrRNA genes are not enough to identify Cercospora to species level. ► Only actin, calmodulin and histone H3 can separate C. rodmanii from C. piaropi. ► From C. rodmanii strains tested only Conway isolate is specific to water hyacinth. ► C. piaropi is also water hyacinth specific but C. rodmanii Conway is more virulent. ► For biocontrol purposes the specificity of an isolate must be determined.