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First Report of Colletotrichum fructicola, C. rhizophorae sp. nov. and C. thailandica sp. nov. on Mangrove in Thailand

Summary

This research discovered and described two new species of fungi living in mangrove forests in Thailand and Taiwan. The study shows how these microscopic organisms interact with mangrove trees, either living harmlessly within plant tissues or sometimes causing disease. This research matters for everyday life in several ways: • Helps protect mangrove forests by better understanding the organisms that affect tree health • Contributes to preserving coastal ecosystems that protect shorelines from erosion and storms • Advances our knowledge of biodiversity in important coastal environments • Provides baseline data for monitoring changes in mangrove ecosystems due to climate change • Could lead to discoveries of new compounds or applications from these fungi

Background

Mangroves are coastal ecosystems where land and sea merge, with Thailand having extensive coastlines and mangrove forests that harbor rich fungal diversity. Colletotrichum is a genus within Ascomycota that includes important plant pathogens causing anthracnose diseases globally. While mangrove fauna and flora are well-studied, the fungi inhabiting these environments have remained less investigated until recently.

Objective

To identify and characterize Colletotrichum species associated with Rhizophora apiculata and R. mucronata in Thailand and Taiwan mangroves through phylogenetic analysis and morphological studies. The study aimed to confirm novel associations in mangrove ecosystems and describe any new species discovered.

Results

The study identified four Colletotrichum species from mangrove ecosystems: two new species (C. rhizophorae and C. thailandica) and two known species (C. fructicola and C. tropicale). C. fructicola was isolated from leaf spots while other strains came from asymptomatic leaves. Phylogenetic analysis showed strong support for the new species within the gloeosporioides species complex. Detailed morphological characteristics were documented for all species, with clear distinctions between the novel and known taxa.

Conclusion

The research expanded knowledge of fungal diversity in mangrove ecosystems by describing two new Colletotrichum species and documenting new host records. The study demonstrated that mangrove-associated Colletotrichum species can exist both as pathogens and endophytes. The findings suggest greater fungal diversity in mangrove forests than previously known, with potential for discovering additional species.
  • Published in:Pathogens,
  • Study Type:Original Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/pathogens12121436
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