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Morphology and phylogeny reveal two new species of pestalotioid fungi associated with hawthorn in Northeast China

Summary

Researchers discovered two previously unknown fungal species living on hawthorn trees in Northeast China. Through detailed microscopic examination and genetic analysis, they identified these as Sporocadus changchunensis and S. crataegicola. Testing showed these fungi can cause disease spots on hawthorn leaves, suggesting they may pose risks to hawthorn crops. This finding helps expand our understanding of fungal species and their role in plant health.

Background

Crataegus pinnatifida (hawthorn) is an economically and ecologically important fruit tree widely cultivated in China, used in traditional medicine for cardiovascular and digestive disorders. Various fungi have been identified as pathogens affecting hawthorn, significantly reducing fruit yield. Sporocadus is a genus within Sporocadaceae containing important plant pathogens affecting a wide range of plants worldwide.

Objective

This study aims to describe two novel saprobic fungi species isolated from hawthorn in Northeast China and determine their taxonomic position using morphological characteristics and multi-locus phylogenetic analyses. The study also investigates the potential pathogenic ability of these saprobic fungi through inoculation experiments.

Results

Two novel species, Sporocadus changchunensis and S. crataegicola, were identified and characterized. Phylogenetic analyses with 98% ML and 1.00 BPP support showed S. crataegicola formed a distinct clade from S. changchunensis and S. rotundatus. Inoculation experiments demonstrated both species caused black spots and leaf blight on mature hawthorn leaves, indicating potential pathogenic ability.

Conclusion

Two new pestalotioid fungi species were successfully described from hawthorn in Northeast China based on combined morphological and multi-locus phylogenetic data. The results extend knowledge of Sporocadus host range and geographic distribution while revealing that saprophytic fungi possess potential pathogenic ability that may lead to plant disease development under various circumstances.
  • Published in:MycoKeys,
  • Study Type:Taxonomic Study with Pathogenicity Testing,
  • Source: 10.3897/mycokeys.122.153767
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