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First Report of Trametes hirsuta, Causal Agent White Rot in Avocado Trees Grown in the State of Michoacán, México

Summary

Researchers discovered a wood-destroying fungus called Trametes hirsuta causing serious disease in avocado trees in Mexico’s main avocado-growing region. The fungus attacks tree trunks and branches, causing white rot that can kill trees within 3-5 years. The study confirmed this is a new threat to avocado orchards and suggests controlling it through pruning, chemical fungicides, or biological control methods.

Background

Trametes spp. are wood-decay fungi that cause white rot in trees. In 2022, sporomas of Trametes sp. were discovered on avocado tree trunks in Michoacán, Mexico, showing symptoms of yellowing leaves, defoliation, and wilting. The fungus caused significant damage to avocado orchards with 60% incidence in sampled populations.

Objective

To formally report the first infection caused by T. hirsuta in avocado trees, describe it as an emerging pathogen in Michoacán’s avocado belt, establish epidemiological records of infection incidence, and verify through laboratory bioassays that T. hirsuta causes white rot in avocado woody tissue.

Results

Genetic analysis showed 99% match with T. hirsuta species. The fungus infected 60% of trees in sampled orchards, with an average of 2.89 sporomas per tree. Laboratory bioassays confirmed pathogenicity, with seedlings developing chlorosis, wilting, and root rot after 6 weeks, and wood segments showing white rot with sporoma formation after 8 weeks.

Conclusion

This work reports for the first time that Persea americana var. Hass and Mendez are new hosts for T. hirsuta. The fungus is confirmed as the causal agent of white rot in avocado trees in Michoacán. Environmental and horticultural management conditions favoring T. hirsuta proliferation require investigation to prevent spread to other avocado-producing regions.
  • Published in:Pathogens,
  • Study Type:First Report / Emerging Pathogen Documentation,
  • Source: PMID: 40559540, DOI: 10.3390/pathogens14060532
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