Global Geographic Distribution and Host Range of Fusarium circinatum, the Causal Agent of Pine Pitch Canker

Abstract

<jats:p>Fusarium circinatum, the causal agent of pine pitch canker (PPC), is currently one of the most important threats of Pinus spp. globally. This pathogen is known in many pine-growing regions, including natural and planted forests, and can affect all life stages of trees, from emerging seedlings to mature trees. Despite the importance of PPC, the global distribution of F. circinatum is poorly documented, and this problem is also true of the hosts within countries that are affected. The aim of this study was to review the global distribution of F. circinatum, with a particular focus on Europe. We considered (1) the current and historical pathogen records, both positive and negative, based on confirmed reports from Europe and globally; (2) the genetic diversity and population structure of the pathogen; (3) the current distribution of PPC in Europe, comparing published models of predicted disease distribution; and (4) host susceptibility by reviewing literature and generating a comprehensive list of known hosts for the fungus. These data were collated from 41 countries and used to compile a specially constructed geo-database. A review of 6297 observation records showed that F. circinatum and the symptoms it causes on conifers occurred in 14 countries, including four in Europe, and is absent in 28 countries. Field observations and experimental data from 138 host species revealed 106 susceptible host species including 85 Pinus species, 6 non-pine tree species and 15 grass and herb species. Our data confirm that susceptibility to F. circinatum varies between different host species, tree ages and environmental characteristics. Knowledge on the geographic distribution, host range and the relative susceptibility of different hosts is essential for disease management, mitigation and containment strategies. The findings reported in this review will support countries that are currently free of F. circinatum in implementing effective procedures and restrictions and prevent further spread of the pathogen.</jats:p>

IMA Genome - F16

“…(Herron et al 2015 ). It has been suggested that these Fusarium species diversified alongside pines in Mexico/Central America (Herron et al 2015 ; O’Donnell et al 1998 ) and that their distribution is driven by international trade, thereby posing significant quarantine risks (Drenkhan et al 2020 ). Availability of genomic resources for these fungi will facilitate and stimulate research aimed at resolving questions regarding their shared evolutionary history, ecology and pathogenicity.…”

“…One of these corresponds to the so-called “American” clade that was initially proposed to reflect the biogeography of the species it contains (O’Donnell et al 1998 ). For example, Fusarium circinatum , the pine pitch canker pathogen, is thought to be native to Mexico and Central America (Drenkhan et al 2020 ), where it likely co-evolved with its Pinus hosts (Herron et al 2015 ; O’Donnell et al 1998 ; Wikler and Gordon 2000 ). The American clade also includes five additional species associated with Pinus species in Colombia.…”

Draft Genome Sequences of Three Fusarium circinatum Isolates Used To Inoculate a Pedigreed Population of Pinus elliottii Seedlings

“…The fungus Fusarium circinatum (class Sordariomycetes, phylum Ascomycota) causes pitch canker disease in Pinus species ( 1 , 2 ) and also infects Pseudotsuga menziesii ( 3 , 4 ), maize, and native grasses ( 5 ). This diverse host range and its ability to infect seed have allowed the fungus to spread around the world ( 6 , 7 ). Three isolates (S, V, and LB) collected from Florida, where pitch canker symptoms are prevalent ( 8 ), were selected from eight isolates previously used to inoculate southern pines ( 9 ).…”

Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Fusarium circinatum-Responsive lncRNAs in Pinus radiata

“…This disease affects conifers, resulting in a serious economic and ecological impact on nurseries and pine stands (Wingfield et al 2008). Since the first report in 1946 in North America, the presence of F. circinatum has been notified in 14 countries of America, Asia, Africa and Europe (Drenkhan et al 2020). The long-distance dispersion as a result of globalization of plant trade and movement of contaminated soil and seed, represents the main pathway for new introductions of the pathogen into disease-free regions (Zamora-Ballesteros et al 2019).…”