Fungi inhabiting the aboveground organs of downy willow (Salix lapponum L.) and swamp willow (Salix myrtilloides L.)

Abstract

The species of downy willow (<em>Salix lapponum</em>) and swamp willow (<em>Salix myrtilloides</em>) are extremely rare relicts among all members of the genus <em>Salix</em>. In Poland, they occur only in the eastern part of the Karkonosze Mountains, Masurian Lake District, and Polesie Lubelskie area. A huge threat to both species is the drainage of peat bogs and their excessive exploitation as well as diseases caused by bacteria and fungi. The present study aimed identify fungal species colonizing the aboveground organs of plants with disease symptoms and to indicate which species may pose a threat towards <em>S. lapponum</em> and <em>S. myrtilloides</em> growing under natural conditions. This research was conducted in Polesie National Park as a part of a research project by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. Plant health assessments were carried out in natural habitats, while aboveground organs with disease symptoms were collected for laboratory mycological analysis. <em>Colletotrichum salicis</em> (teleomorph <em>Glomerella salicis</em>), <em>Coniothyrium concentricum</em>, <em>Cylindrosporium salicinum</em>, <em>Phomopsis</em> spp., <em>Truncatella angustata</em>, and <em>Cytospora chrysosperma</em> (teleomorph <em>Valsa sordida</em>) were the fungal species most frequently isolated from leaves and shoots of both willow species. The above-mentioned fungi are dangerous plant pathogens from the family Salicaceae. There were no obligatory parasites or monophagous pathogens on the aboveground organs of downy or swamp willow. Obligatory parasites may indicate a markedly low population of host plants in Polish conditions.

The Importance of Groundwater Quality and Other Habitat Parameters for Effective Active Protection of an Endangered Plant Species in Eastern Poland

“…Analysis of the species composition of fungi showed no pathogenic species, e.g., of the genus Fusarium, which pose a threat to both the above-ground and below-ground parts of many plant species, including plants of the genus Salix [71,72]. A positive finding was the occurrence of saprotrophic species, which contribute to the decomposition of organic matter, and of hyperparasitic fungi of the genus Trichoderma, exploited in biological plant protection.…”

Microbial Community, Metabolic Potential and Seasonality of Endosphere Microbiota Associated with Leaves of the Bioenergy Tree Paulownia elongata × fortunei

“…and Eucalyptus spp. [ 48 , 49 , 50 ], whereas information about the bacterial communities of leaves in Paulownia plantations is limited [ 32 ]. In this context, this study investigates the Paulownia -leaves endosphere microbiome, including structure, diversity and metabolic function.…”