Abstract
The Indian laurel-leaf fig (Ficus microcarpa) is an important ornamental tree widely distributed in the urban areas of Italy. Surveys conducted in 2019 and 2020 on several tree-lined streets, squares, and public parks in Catania and Siracusa provinces (Sicily, southern Italy) revealed the presence of a new disease on mature trees. About 9% of approximately 450 mature plants showed extensive branch cankers and dieback. Isolations from woody tissues obtained from ten symptomatic plants consistently yielded species belonging to the Botryosphaeriaceae family. The identification of the recovered fungal isolates was based on a multi-loci phylogenetic (maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood) approach of the ITS, tef1-α, and tub2 gene regions. The results of the analyses confirmed the presence of three species: Botryosphaeria dothidea, Neofusicoccum mediterraneum, and N. parvum. Pathogenicity tests were conducted on potted, healthy, 4-year-old trees using the mycelial plug technique. The inoculation experiments revealed that all the Botryosphaeriaceae species identified in this study were pathogenic to this host. Previous studies conducted in California showed similar disease caused by Botryosphaeriaceae spp., and the pathogenic role of these fungi was demonstrated. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Botryosphaeriaceae affecting Ficus microcarpa in Europe.
Highlights
Ficus microcarpa, commonly known as Chinese or Malayan banyan, Indian laurel-leaf fig, and curtain fig, is a widely distributed evergreen ornamental species belonging to the family Moraceae, native to Ceylon, India, southern China, the Ryukyu Islands, Australia, and New Caledonia [1]
Ficus microcarpa growing in a wide range of site conditions have suffered a widespread dieback in Catania and Siracusa provinces
The trees still appeared green in part of the canopy, this was accompanied by parts of branches and shoots that were defoliated and dead (Figures 1A–D and 2A)
Summary
Commonly known as Chinese or Malayan banyan, Indian laurel-leaf fig, and curtain fig, is a widely distributed evergreen ornamental species belonging to the family Moraceae, native to Ceylon, India, southern China, the Ryukyu Islands, Australia, and New Caledonia [1]. It is considered one of the most common urban trees in warm climates worldwide [2]. Parks and gardens in urban areas are of significant value for all people living their daily lives in the cities. Most people living in cities deal with schedules, work, appointments, meetings, etc., and urban parks and open spaces positively affect mental health [8]. It is important not to underestimate the health of urban trees
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