In phylogenetic analysis, ICMP23778 grouped in a strongly supported monophyletic clade with other C. schulzeri sequences. Pathogenicity testing with isolate ICMP23778 showed some pathogenicity towards Malus domestica. Approximately a third of infected detached apple shoots developed internal necrosis after inoculation with C. schulzeri, confirming earlier reports of this species being an opportunistic plant pathogen. Previously, C. leucostoma of Cytospora sp. have been reported from Malus sp. in New Zealand, dating back to as early as 1926 (Landcare Research 2023). No cultures have been stored for these finds and therefore their identity cannot be verified. This is the first record of C. schulzeri from New Zealand. Note that this organism was first identified as Cytospora parasitica but has been amended to Cytospora schulzeri given the taxonomic revisions of Lin et al. (2024).