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Kalmusia variispora (Didymosphaeriaceae, Dothideomycetes) Associated with the Grapevine Trunk Disease Complex in Cyprus

Summary

Kalmusia variispora is a fungus that causes trunk diseases in grapevines, resulting in wood discoloration and plant decline. This study identified the fungus in Cyprus vineyards and demonstrated its ability to infect and damage grapevine wood. The fungus produces enzymes that break down plant cell walls, with stronger enzyme production correlating to more severe disease. Understanding this pathogen is important for developing better disease management strategies in vineyards.

Background

Grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) are widespread fungal diseases causing significant economic losses to the vitiviniculture industry worldwide. While numerous pathogens have been associated with GTDs, recent research has identified additional fungal taxa involved in this complex disease. This study focuses on Kalmusia variispora, a previously under-studied ascomycete species.

Objective

To provide morphological description and phylogenetic analyses of K. variispora isolated from diseased grapevines in Cyprus and to evaluate its pathogenicity potential under local conditions.

Results

All isolates were identified as K. variispora through phylogenetic analysis and clustered with the type strain. All tested isolates were pathogenic, causing light to dark brown wood discoloration ranging from 4 to 12.3 cm in length. All isolates produced cellulase and pectinase; however, laccase production varied, with severity of symptoms correlating with laccase-producing capacity.

Conclusion

This study confirms K. variispora as a GTD causal agent in Cyprus and represents the first such description in this region. The species’ high virulence and role in the GTD complex suggests that further investigation of its biological cycle and epidemiology is warranted for effective management strategies.
  • Published in:Pathogens,
  • Study Type:Descriptive and Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40430749, DOI: 10.3390/pathogens14050428
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