Latest advances and future perspectives inArmillariaresearch

Abstract

The basidiomycete genus Armillaria s.l. (Armillaria s.s. and Desarmillaria) has a worldwide distribution and plays a central role in the dynamics of numerous woody ecosystems, including natural forests, tree plantations for timber production, orchards, vineyards, and gardens. Early studies have shown that all Armillaria species are capable of degrading dead woody substrates causing white rot. Moreover, most species exhibit a parasitic ability, and can be considered as facultative necrotrophs. Although over the years extensive research has been conducted on the phylogeny, biology, and ecology of different Armillaria species, numerous theoretical and applied questions remain open. Recently published studies have provided new perspectives, the most significant of which we present in this review. First, new investigations have highlighted the importance of a multilocus approach for depicting the phylogeny of the genus Armillaria. Second, the importance of clonality and sexuality for the different species is now better described, enabling a more accurate prediction of population dynamics in various environments. Third, genome sequencing has provided new insights into genome evolution and the genetic basis of pathogenicity and wood degradation ability. Fourth, several new studies have pointed out the possible influence of climate change on Armillaria distribution, biology and ecology, raising questions regarding the future evolution of Armillaria species and their effect on ecosystems. In this review, we also give a state-of-the-art overview of the control possibilities of parasitic Armillaria species. Finally, we outline some still open questions in Armillaria research, the investigation of which will strongly benefit from recent methodological advances.

Armillaria altimontana Is Associated with Healthy Western White Pine (Pinus monticola): Potential in Situ Biological Control of the Armillaria Root Disease Pathogen, A. solidipes

“…Armillaria root diseases are among the most damaging and broadly distributed root diseases of diverse woody hosts around the world (e.g., [1][2][3]). Armillaria solidipes Peck (as A. ostoyae [Romagnesi] Herink) is well-known as a virulent primary pathogen that causes root disease on diverse conifers within the inland western regions of the contiguous USA [4], where A. altimontana Brazee, B. Ortiz, Banik, and D.L.…”

Acacia plantations in Indonesia facilitate clonal spread of the root pathogen Ganoderma philippii

“…Removal of basidiocarps has now been adopted as a routine practice, while efforts to develop resistant material and methods to reduce inoculum at replanting continue to be pursued (Hunt and Pilotti, ). While these fundamental aspects of disease have been intensively studied in temperate species such as Armillaria (Heinzelmann et al , ) and Heterobasidion (Woodward et al , ), and tropical root rots in rubber (Suwandi and Naito, ) and oil palm (Cooper et al , ; Rees et al , ), relevant information is lacking for G . philippii .…”

Towards the Biological Control of Devastating Forest Pathogens from the Genus Armillaria

“…Armillaria and Desarmillaria species (Physalacriaceae and Basidiomycota) are globally distributed fungal plant pathogens varying in host range and pathogenicity [1,2]. They cause white rot, a severe destructive disease (also known as Armillaria root rot) on a wide range of woody hosts growing in managed plantations, natural forests, orchards, and amenity plantings in urban areas, and their impact often leads to devastating forest damages and immense economic losses [3].…”