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Unveiling Species Diversity of Plectosphaerellaceae (Sordariomycetes) Fungi Involved in Rhizome and Root Rots of Ginger in Shandong Province, China

Summary

Researchers in China identified four fungal species that cause serious diseases in ginger plants, destroying the underground rhizomes and roots. Two of these species are newly discovered and named after the ginger host and the region where they were found. These fungi are major threats to ginger farming in China’s largest ginger-producing region, causing crop losses ranging from 20-100%.

Background

Ginger is economically important globally and in China, representing approximately 15% of global production. Rhizome rot is a serious threat to ginger cultivation, causing yield losses of 20-100%. Fungi from the family Plectosphaerellaceae are recognized as aggressive plant pathogens, but their effects on ginger have been poorly understood.

Objective

To identify and characterize Plectosphaerellaceae species associated with ginger rhizome and root rots in Shandong Province, China using morphological observations, multilocus phylogenetic analysis, and pathogenicity testing.

Results

Two novel Musidium species (M. shandongensis sp. nov. and M. zingiberis sp. nov.), one newly recorded species (Gibellulopsis serrae), and one new host record (Plectosphaerella cucumerina) were identified. All species caused characteristic symptoms including wilt, leaf yellowing, and rhizome necrosis in inoculation assays, with disease severity indices ranging from 51.1-100%.

Conclusion

This study broadens knowledge on Plectosphaerellaceae diversity associated with ginger and reveals these fungi as serious threats to ginger cultivation in China. The findings represent the first identification and characterization of Gibellulopsis, Musidium, and Plectosphaerella species associated with ginger in China.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Descriptive Study, Taxonomy and Pathogenicity Assessment,
  • Source: PMID: 41011511, DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13092180
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