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Clonostachys rosea, a Pathogen of Brown Rot in Gastrodia elata in China

Summary

Researchers in China identified a fungus called Clonostachys rosea as the cause of brown rot disease affecting Gastrodia elata (Tian Ma), an important medicinal orchid plant. The disease causes brown spots on tubers that expand and darken, significantly reducing crop yield and quality. The study involved detailed examination of the fungus under microscopes, genetic analysis, and confirmation that the fungus could cause disease in healthy plants. These findings will help farmers prevent and control this disease through proper soil management and selection of healthy seed tubers.

Background

Gastrodia elata (Tian Ma) is a perennial mycoheterotrophic orchid used in traditional medicine for over two thousand years. The tubers are highly susceptible to fungal infections, with tuber rot being a common issue during cultivation. A severe outbreak of brown rot disease was documented in Qianyang Tian Ma (QTM) in Hunan Province, China.

Objective

This study aimed to identify the fungal pathogen causing brown rot disease on G. elata f. elata through morphological characterization and phylogenetic analysis. The research sought to confirm pathogenicity and provide insights for prevention and control of the disease.

Results

Nine of twelve isolates exhibited similar morphology. The representative isolate TMB produced white hyphal colonies with ring structures, broom-like phialides, ellipsoidal conidia, and orange-yellow spherical ascocarps. Phylogenetic analysis identified TMB as Clonostachys rosea. Pathogenicity tests confirmed typical disease symptoms on healthy tubers 15 days post-inoculation.

Conclusion

Clonostachys rosea was identified as the causative agent of brown rot disease in G. elata f. elata in China, representing the first report of this pathogen on this host in the country. The study provides valuable insights into disease occurrence, prevention, and control, recommending disease management strategies including crop rotation, soil preparation, and selection of disease-free seed tubers.
  • Published in:Biology (Basel),
  • Study Type:Pathogen Identification and Characterization Study,
  • Source: PMID: 39336157, DOI: 10.3390/biology13090730
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