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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 in Mexico discovered that a wood-decay fungus called Trametes hirsuta is infecting avocado trees in the country’s main avocado-growing region, Michoacán. The fungus causes a disease called white rot, which leads to yellowing leaves, tree defoliation, and eventually tree death. This is the first time this fungus has been identified as a disease-causing agent in avocado trees, and the researchers confirmed through laboratory tests that the fungus is indeed responsible for the damage being observed in avocado orchards.

Background

Trametes species are wood-decay fungi found in terrestrial ecosystems worldwide. In 2022, sporomas of Trametes hirsuta were discovered on avocado tree trunks in Michoacán, Mexico, showing disease symptoms including leaf yellowing, defoliation, and wilting. This represents the first documented case of T. hirsuta causing white rot disease in avocado trees.

Objective

To formally report the first infection of Trametes hirsuta in avocado trees in Michoacán, characterize this fungal species as an emerging pathogen in the avocado belt region, establish epidemiological data on disease incidence in orchards, and verify through laboratory bioassays that T. hirsuta is the causal agent of white rot in avocado woody tissue.

Results

Out of 2,450 inspected trees, 60% showed T. hirsuta sporomas with an average of 2.89 sporomas per tree. Molecular analysis confirmed 99% identity with T. hirsuta. Pathogenicity bioassays on seedlings showed disease symptoms within 6 weeks including chlorosis, wilting, and root rot. Inoculated wood segments developed white rot and fruiting bodies within 60 days, with 98% of samples showing infection signs.

Conclusion

Trametes hirsuta is confirmed as the causal agent of white rot in avocado trees (Persea americana cultivars Hass and Méndez) in Michoacán, representing a new host for this species. This emerging pathogen poses a significant phytosanitary threat to avocado production, requiring investigation of environmental and horticultural management factors that promote T. hirsuta proliferation and development of control strategies.
  • Published in:Pathogens,
  • Study Type:Research Report - Mycological and Phytopathological Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40559540, DOI: 10.3390/pathogens14060532
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