Lasiodiplodia fici sp. nov., Causing Leaf Spot on Ficus altissima in China

Abstract

High temperatures and the seasonality in tropical ecosystems favours plant pathogens, which result in many fungal diseases. Among these, diseases caused by Botryosphaeriaceae species are prominent as dieback, canker and leaf spots. In this research, we isolated one leaf-spot-causing Botryosphaeriaceae species from Ficus altissima leaves, which were collected in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China. Isolation and identification of the pathogen were based on morphological and molecular aspects. Based on multigene phylogenetic analysis of combined internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-α gene (tef1) and beta-tubulin gene (tub2), the fungus associated with leaf spots on F. altissima is described as Lasiodiplodia fici, a novel species. Pathogenicity assays were conducted by inoculating the fungus onto detached shoots and plants under controlled environmental conditions. The results revealed that the L. fici isolates can infect the plant tissues under stress conditions by developing disease symptoms on detached shoots within three days. However, when it was inoculated onto the leaves of the host and grown in natural conditions, the progression of the disease was slow. The putative pathogen was re-isolated, and Koch’s assumptions were satisfied. This is the first report of Lasiodiplodia species causing disease on Ficus altissima. Results from the present study will provide additional knowledge on fungal pathogens associated with forest and ornamental plant species.

Microfungi Associated with Peach Branch Diseases in China

“…They are pathogenic on economically important fruit crops [ 57 ]. For the taxonomic treatment of this genus, we followed Zhang et al [ 67 ] and Xia et al [ 77 ]. The combined ITS, tef1 , and tub2 dataset of 79 ingroup strains from 43 species consisted of 1158 characters, (415 for ITS, 332 for tef1 , and 411 for tub2 , including alignment gaps).…”

“…Identification and characterization of Lasiodiplodia species have become challenging recently. Previous studies have mentioned that morphology and phylogeny play an important role in species delineation [ 37 , 77 ]. In addition, some studies have proposed that Lasiodiplodia species might have host specificity as well [ 77 ].…”

“…Previous studies have mentioned that morphology and phylogeny play an important role in species delineation [ 37 , 77 ]. In addition, some studies have proposed that Lasiodiplodia species might have host specificity as well [ 77 ]. However, pathogenicity assays are required to understand the relationship of the novel species with the gummosis disease in peach.…”

“…They are pathogenic on economically important fruit crops [57]. For the taxonomic treatment of this genus, we followed Zhang et al [67] and Xia et al [77]. The MycoBank number: MB 811599; Facesoffungi number: FoF 00596.…”

Lasiodiplodiaspecies associated with mango (Mangifera indicaL.) decline in Burkina Faso and influence of climatic factors on the disease distribution

“…Since the use of molecular analyses based on ITS and tef1-α sequences, several cryptic species were described resembling L. theobromae based on morphological characteristics [13]. Indeed, Phillips et al [4] proposed a key to Lasiodiplodia species based on conidial dimensions and morphology of the paraphyses, however requiring an experienced technician and at least two weeks up to three months [23] of mycelia cultivation in specific conditions to induce sporulation. Here, we used molecular techniques to analyse isolates from diseased mango trees in Burkina Faso that possessed morphological features typical of the Lasiodiplodia genus, namely slowly maturing conidia with thick walls and longitudinal striations.…”