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First Report of Trametes hirsuta, Causal Agent White Rot in Avocado Trees Grown in the State of Michoacán, México

Summary

Scientists in Mexico discovered a wood-rotting fungus called Trametes hirsuta infecting avocado trees for the first time. The fungus causes white rot disease that damages tree wood and can kill trees within 3-5 years. Researchers found the fungus on 60% of avocado trees in Michoacán orchards and confirmed its destructive effects through laboratory tests. Treatment options include pruning infected areas and applying antifungal chemicals or biological control agents.

Background

Trametes spp. are wood-decay fungi that can cause white rot in living trees, leading to tree death within 3-5 years. México is the world’s leading avocado producer with 2,540,715 tons annually. In 2022, Trametes sp. sporomas were discovered on avocado tree trunks in Michoacán, showing disease symptoms including leaf yellowing, defoliation, and wilting.

Objective

To formally report the first infection of Trametes hirsuta in avocado trees in Michoacán, describe it as an emerging pathogen, establish epidemiological records of disease incidence, and verify through laboratory bioassays that T. hirsuta causes white rot in avocado woody tissue.

Results

Of 2,450 trees sampled, 60% showed T. hirsuta sporomas. Molecular analysis showed 99% match with T. hirsuta. Bioassays confirmed pathogenicity with white rot development in seedlings within 6 weeks and sporomas forming on inoculated wood segments within 8 weeks. This is the first report of P. americana cv. Hass and Méndez as new hosts for T. hirsuta.

Conclusion

Trametes hirsuta is confirmed as a new pathogen of avocado trees in Michoacán, causing white rot disease with 60% incidence in surveyed orchards. Environmental and horticultural management conditions favoring proliferation require investigation. Biological control agents such as Trichoderma or antifungal chemicals from the Triazoles group are suggested for disease management.
  • Published in:Pathogens,
  • Study Type:Field Survey and Laboratory Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40559540, PMCID: PMC12196362, DOI: 10.3390/pathogens14060532
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