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Diversity and pathogenicity of pestalotioid fungi infecting Camellia oleifera in China

Summary

Tea oil plants in China’s Sichuan Province are being infected by three types of fungi that cause serious diseases like leaf spots and blighting. Researchers identified a new fungal species and found that two previously known species can also infect tea oil plants. All three fungi were tested for their ability to cause disease, and they successfully infected tea oil plant leaves under laboratory conditions.

Background

Camellia oleifera is a major woody oilseed crop of significant economic and medicinal importance. Sichuan Province provides ideal conditions for C. oleifera cultivation but has recently experienced severe fungal disease outbreaks caused by Pestalotiopsis and Neopestalotiopsis species.

Objective

To identify and characterize pestalotioid fungi associated with diseases in C. oleifera plantations in Sichuan Province using morphological and phylogenetic analyses. The study aimed to establish new species and host records for these fungal pathogens.

Results

Three pestalotioid species were identified: two known species (P. trachycarpicola and P. hispanica) with new host records on C. oleifera, and one novel species (N. folii). Pathogenicity tests confirmed virulence of all three strains with varying pathogenic effects, with P. hispanica showing highest virulence in spore suspension assays.

Conclusion

The study formally recognized N. folii as a novel pathogenic species and established new host records for P. trachycarpicola and P. hispanica on C. oleifera. These findings enhance understanding of fungal diversity and provide essential insights for developing effective disease management strategies for sustainable C. oleifera production.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Observational Survey with Laboratory Analysis,
  • Source: 10.1038/s41598-025-97389-2, PMID: 40254663
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