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Study on Pathogenesis of Cytospora pyri in Korla Fragrant Pear Trees (Pyrus sinkiangensis)

Summary

Researchers identified Cytospora pyri as the fungus causing a serious disease in Korla fragrant pear trees in China. The fungus can only infect trees through wounds and spreads through the tree’s tissues over several weeks. Understanding how the fungus breaks down plant cell walls using enzymes could help develop better strategies to prevent the disease and protect pear orchards.

Background

Pear Valsa cankers caused by Cytospora species are a destructive fungal disease affecting Korla fragrant pear orchards in Xinjiang, China. Previous pathogen identification has been inconsistent due to reliance on morphology alone or single-gene analysis. Understanding the pathogenesis mechanisms is crucial for developing effective control strategies.

Objective

To identify the causative pathogen of pear Valsa cankers in Korla fragrant pears using multigene sequence analysis, characterize its biological properties, and elucidate the infection process and pathogenic mechanisms through microscopy and enzyme activity studies.

Results

The pathogen was identified as Cytospora pyri through phylogenetic analysis. Optimal growth conditions were 28°C, pH 5, with glucose and peptone as preferred carbon and nitrogen sources. C. pyri could not penetrate intact bark but required wounds for invasion. After 20 days, pycnidia formed and released conidial cirri. Polygalacturonase (PG) activity was seven times higher than controls, indicating its role in pathogenesis.

Conclusion

C. pyri causes pear Valsa cankers and requires wounds for infection of Korla fragrant pear trees. The pathogen spreads through intercellular and intracellular pathways in phloem and xylem tissues. Polygalacturonase plays a significant role in cell wall degradation and pathogenesis, suggesting control strategies should focus on preventing tree wounds and maintaining tree vigor.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof11040257
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