TY - JOUR
T1 - Genetic diversity and pathogenicity of Botryosphaeriaceae species associated with symptomatic Citrus plants in Europe
AU - Bezerra, Jadson Diogo Pereira
AU - Crous, Pedro Wilhelm
AU - Aiello, Dalia
AU - Gullino, Maria Lodovica
AU - Polizzi, Giancarlo
AU - Guarnaccia, Vladimiro
PY - 2021/3
Y1 - 2021/3
N2 - This study represents the first survey studying the occurrence, genetic diversity, and pathogenicity of Botryosphaeriaceae species associated with symptomatic citrus species in citrus-production areas in five European countries. Based on morphological features and phylogenetic analyses of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1) and β-tubulin (TUB2) genes, nine species were identified as belonging to the genera Diplodia, Dothiorella, Lasiodiplodia, and Neofusicoccum. Isolates of Neofusicoccum parvum and Diplodia pseudoseriata were the most frequently detected, while Dothiorella viticola had the widest distribution, occurring in four of the five countries sampled. Representative isolates of the nine Botryosphaeriaceae species used in the pathogenicity tests caused similar symptoms to those observed in nature. Isolates assayed were all re-isolated, thereby fulfilling Koch’s postulates. Isolates of Diplodia pseudoseriata and Diplodia olivarum are recorded for the first time on citrus and all species found in our study, except N. parvum, are reported for the first time on citrus in Europe.
AB - This study represents the first survey studying the occurrence, genetic diversity, and pathogenicity of Botryosphaeriaceae species associated with symptomatic citrus species in citrus-production areas in five European countries. Based on morphological features and phylogenetic analyses of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA), translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1) and β-tubulin (TUB2) genes, nine species were identified as belonging to the genera Diplodia, Dothiorella, Lasiodiplodia, and Neofusicoccum. Isolates of Neofusicoccum parvum and Diplodia pseudoseriata were the most frequently detected, while Dothiorella viticola had the widest distribution, occurring in four of the five countries sampled. Representative isolates of the nine Botryosphaeriaceae species used in the pathogenicity tests caused similar symptoms to those observed in nature. Isolates assayed were all re-isolated, thereby fulfilling Koch’s postulates. Isolates of Diplodia pseudoseriata and Diplodia olivarum are recorded for the first time on citrus and all species found in our study, except N. parvum, are reported for the first time on citrus in Europe.
KW - Diplodia
KW - Dothiorella
KW - Lasiodiplodia
KW - Neofusicoccum
KW - pathogenic fungi
KW - phylogeny
U2 - 10.3390/plants10030492
DO - 10.3390/plants10030492
M3 - Article
SN - 2223-7747
VL - 10
JO - Plants
JF - Plants
IS - 3
M1 - 492
ER -