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Biological characterization and in vitro fungicide screening of a new pathogen of basal stem rot of Schisandra chinensis in Jilin Province, China

Summary

Researchers discovered that a fungus called Ilyonectria robusta is causing a serious disease in Schisandra chinensis plants grown in northern China. This plant is used to make traditional Chinese medicine. The disease causes the base of the plant stems to rot and die. Scientists tested seven different fungicides (medicines that kill fungi) and found that fluazinam was the most effective at stopping this fungus from growing.

Background

Schisandra chinensis is an important medicinal plant cultivated widely in Jilin Province, China. In 2024, a novel basal stem rot disease was observed in cultivation areas, threatening local production. The disease is characterized by stem-base necrosis, vascular browning, wilting, and plant death, often accompanied by soft rot under high humidity conditions.

Objective

This study aimed to identify the causal pathogen of basal stem rot in Schisandra chinensis, characterize its biological properties, confirm its pathogenicity through Koch’s postulates, and screen in vitro fungicides for effective disease management.

Results

The pathogen was identified as Ilyonectria robusta, marking the first global report of this species causing basal stem rot on S. chinensis. Optimal growth conditions included CDA or CMA media at 25°C in continuous darkness and pH 7, with sodium nitrate and lactose as preferred nitrogen and carbon sources. Among seven fungicides tested, 98% fluazinam showed the strongest inhibitory effect with EC₅₀ value of 5.658 mg/L.

Conclusion

I. robusta is confirmed as a novel and virulent pathogen of S. chinensis in Jilin Province. The study provides foundational data on the pathogen’s biology and pathogenicity. Fluazinam is identified as a promising candidate for integrated management of basal stem rot disease in Schisandra chinensis cultivation.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40661981, PMCID: PMC12256492, DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2025.1633730
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