Classification of dendrocola nematode-trapping fungi

Abstract

Pine wilt disease, caused by Bursaphelenchus xylophilus and Bursaphelenchus mucnatus, is a serious quarantined disease. Arboreal nematode-trapping fungi of Pinus spp. are effective predators on nematodes and have strong host adaptability. The development of these fungal resources may be an effective way to control pine wood nematodes. We collected 515 samples of pine wilt disease from the areas of Ninghai City (Zhejiang province), Shuangbai County (Yunnan province), and Daxing’anling (Heilongjiang province), China. Through isolation, culture and identification, 6 species of nematode-trapping fungi (Arthrobotrys cladodesr, A. oligospora, A. musiformis, A. dendroides, Dactylellina ellipsospora, Monacrosporium thaumasium) were identified for predation against B. xylophilus, and 9 species (Arthrobotrys dactyloides, A. cladodesr A. oligospora A. dendroides, Dactylellina ellipsospora, Dactylella asthenopaga, D. leptospora, Arthrobotrys superba, Monacrosporium drechseri) were identified for predation against B. mucnatus. This study provides information in the classification of arboreal predator nematodes and provides an important basis for future biological control of pine wood nematodes.