Natural Fungicolous Regulators of Biscogniauxia destructiva sp. nov. That Causes Beech Bark Tarcrust in Southern European (Fagus sylvatica) Forests.

Vladimir Vujanovic,Nedeljko Latinovic,Seon Hwa Kim,Jelena Latinovic

doi:10.3390/microorganisms8121999

Vladimir Vujanovic, Nedeljko Latinovic + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms8121999

Copy DOI

Abstract

Mycoparasites are a collection of fungicolous eukaryotic organisms that occur on and are antagonistic to a wide range of plant pathogenic fungi. To date, this fungal group has largely been neglected by biodiversity studies. However, this fungal group is of interest, as it may contain potential biocontrol agents of pathogenic fungi that cause beech Tarcrust disease (BTC), which has contributed to the devastation of European beech (Fagus sylvatica) forests. Biscogniauxia nummularia has been demonstrated to cause BTC. However, a trophic association between mycoparasites and pathogenic Biscogniauxia spp., has not been established. This study aimed to taxonomically identify and characterize Biscogniauxia, a fungus causing destructive BTC disease in European beech at Lovćen national park, Montenegro and to uncover the diversity of mycopathogens that are natural regulators of xylariaceous Biscogniauxia stroma formation, associated with beech decline. This finding is supported by distinctive phylogenetic and evolutionary characteristics, as well as unique morphological-microscopic fungal features indicating that Biscogniauxia from Montenegro, which is a major cause of BTC occurring in ancient beech forests at the edge of southern Fagus sylvatica distribution, may be described as a novel fungus specific to Fagus. Its evolutionary nuSSU–complete ITS–partial nuLSU rDNA phylogeny indicates its likely emergence by asexual fusion or introgressive hybridization between diverged B. nummularia and B. anceps species. The name Biscogniauxia destructiva is proposed for the novel fungus, as it is aggressive and highly destructive BTC disease.

Highlights

Mycoparasites are a typical trophic group of fungicolous eukaryotic organisms that occur on plant pathogenic fungal hosts across the kingdom fungi [1,2]
The current concepts regarding Biscognauxia were defined by Pouzar [37] and revised by Ju et al [33], a recent phylogenetic rDNA analyses suggests that B. nummularia belongs to a clade that is separate from other Biscogniauxia spp
Modern biocontrol programs require more refined monitoring methods that enable the selection of promising fungicolous fungi, in order to better target and destroy stromata, thereby inhibiting the reproductive capacity of beech Tarcrust disease (BTC) pathogenic hosts

Summary

Introduction

Mycoparasites are a typical trophic group of fungicolous eukaryotic organisms that occur on plant pathogenic fungal hosts across the kingdom fungi [1,2]. This fungal group is mostly neglected in biodiversity studies, and, not characterized in detail [3]. These beneficial organisms are naturally occurring antagonists that regulate destructive tree pathogen outbreaks in forestry systems. The decline of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) has been recorded throughout Europe, as well as Russia. This decline is linked mainly to beech bark disease (BBD), and, more recently, to the presence of Biscogniauxia nummularia (Bull.) Kunze under changing climatic conditions. B. nummularia is a serious primary beech bark pathogen belonging to the order Xylariales Nannf., which causes beech

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion