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Morpho-molecular characterization of two Ampelomyces spp. (Pleosporales) strains mycoparasites of powdery mildew of Hevea brasiliensis

Summary

This research identified a naturally occurring fungus (Ampelomyces) that attacks and destroys powdery mildew, a serious disease affecting rubber trees. This discovery could lead to environmentally friendly ways to protect rubber crops without using harmful chemical fungicides. Impact on everyday life: – Could help maintain rubber supplies for tires, gloves and other products – Provides an alternative to chemical pesticides in agriculture – May lead to reduced environmental contamination from sulfur-based fungicides – Could help lower production costs for rubber farmers – Demonstrates the potential of using natural biological controls in agriculture

Background

Powdery mildew disease devastates rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) harvests worldwide, causing up to 45% losses in rubber latex yield. The disease affects immature green leaves, buds, inflorescences and other immature tissues. Currently, chemical application using sulfur dust is the main control method, but this is expensive, labor intensive, environmentally hazardous and time-consuming.

Objective

This study aimed to identify mycoparasites associated with rubber powdery mildew species, and characterize them based on morpho-molecular characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of ITS rDNA regions.

Results

The study identified Ampelomyces fungus as a parasite of rubber powdery mildew that eventually destroys it. Morphological and phylogenetic analyses confirmed the Ampelomyces mycoparasite is closely related to other mycohost taxa in the Erysiphe genus. Analysis of 73 ITS sequences identified 153 polymorphic sites and 28 distinct haplotypes with a complex network of mutation events. The specimens from rubber powdery mildew clustered in Clade I with other Erysiphe-associated Ampelomyces strains.

Conclusion

This work presents the first report characterizing Ampelomyces species that parasitize powdery mildew of Hevea brasiliensis. The findings suggest potential for developing these mycoparasites as biocontrol agents, though further research including field trials is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Microbiology,
  • Study Type:Morphological and Molecular Characterization Study,
  • Source: 10.3389/fmicb.2018.00012
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