Synanthropic Process Evaluation (with Factors Affecting Propensity to Parasitism) and Host Range within the Genus Ganoderma in Central Europe

Abstract

Ganoderma P. Karst. is a genus of wood decaying fungi with complicated taxonomy due to morphological variability of their basidiomata. Although a wide range of host plants is assumed for the genus as a whole, there is a need for revision of the host specificity of individual species. Based on revision of mycological collections across the Czech Republic we analyzed the ecological trends of six European species, including host preferences and propensity to parasitism. Individual Ganoderma species were sampled differentially along vegetation categories, with G. adspersum (Schulzer) Donk prevailing in habitats with high anthropogenic factors and G. applanatum (Pers.) Pat. in natural vegetation with limited anthropogenic influence, differing also in average altitude of sampling. The number of host species of individual Ganoderma spp. did not reach an asymptote, suggesting an open host plasticity and great potential for finding new host associations in future. Very distinct host compositions were found for individual Ganoderma species, at the genus level, with G. applanatum being the least host specific. Individual Ganoderma species differ also in their tendency to parasitic life strategy. The proportion of parasites increases with decreasing vegetation category and it is therefore higher in urban than natural environment, especially on hardwood trees.

Phylogenetic analysis and morphology of Ganoderma multipileum, a Ganoderma species associated with dieback of the metropolitan woody plant Delonix regia (Boj. ex Hook.) Raf. in Vietnam

“…are predominantly found in the vicinity of tree stumps and roots, and this genus is known as one of the most prevalent plant pathogens. [42][43][44][45] Species within this genus are categorized as white-rot fungi and possess enzymes capable of degrading lignin and cellulose. These enzymatic properties enable Ganoderma spp.…”

First Record of Ganoderma multipileum Associated with Delonix regia (Boj. ex Hook.) Raf. Die-back in Vietnam

“…In the United States, G. appnalatum, G. boninense, the G. lucidum complex, G. sessile, and G. zanatum are pathogens in landscape trees(Kües et al, 2015b;Kunta et al, 2010;Loyd, Linder, et al, 2018) The literature has reported that Ganoderma spp. are mainly found near the stumps and roots of trees and that this genus is one of the most common plant pathogens (Grinn-Gofroń et al, 2021;Loyd, Linder, et al, 2018;Náplavová et al, 2021;Sadyś et al, 2014). Species in this genus are white-rot fungi and possess lignin-and cellulose-degrading enzymes that allow Ganoderma spp.…”