MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

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

Summary

Researchers discovered that a wood-decay fungus called Trametes hirsuta is causing serious damage to avocado trees in Michoacán, México, the world’s largest avocado-producing region. The fungus infects tree trunks and branches, causing white rot that eventually kills the trees. About 60% of surveyed avocado trees showed signs of infection. Laboratory experiments confirmed that this fungus, previously known only as a decomposer of dead wood, can actively infect and destroy living avocado trees through wounds in the bark.

Background

Trametes spp. are wood-decay fungi distributed globally in terrestrial ecosystems. Trametes hirsuta is a white rot fungus previously known only as a saprobic organism, but was reported in 2017 as a pathogen of Paulownia tomentosa in Serbia. This represents the first report of T. hirsuta causing disease in avocado trees (Persea americana) in Michoacán, México.

Objective

To formally report the first infection caused by T. hirsuta in avocado trees, describe this fungal species as an emerging pathogen in the avocado belt of Michoacán, establish epidemiological records of infection incidence, and verify through laboratory bioassays that T. hirsuta is the causative agent of white rot in avocado woody tissue.

Results

Of 2450 trees surveyed, 60% showed sporomas of T. hirsuta with 2.89 ± 0.19 sporomas per tree. Molecular analysis showed 99% match with T. hirsuta species. Bioassays confirmed the fungus caused white rot in both seedlings and fresh wood, with 98% of inoculated wood samples showing infection signs after 60 days and typical sporomas forming after 8 weeks. The pathogen was successfully re-isolated and confirmed.

Conclusion

This work reports for the first time that Persea americana cv. Hass and Méndez are new hosts for T. hirsuta. The fungus represents an emerging pathogen in Michoacán’s avocado belt, with 60% incidence in sampled orchards. Environmental and horticultural management conditions favoring T. hirsuta proliferation must be investigated to prevent spread to other avocado-producing regions.
  • Published in:Pathogens,
  • Study Type:First Report/Case Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40559540, DOI: 10.3390/pathogens14060532
Scroll to Top