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Pomegranate Woody Mycobiota Associated with Wood Decay

Summary

Pomegranate growers in Italy are facing a serious disease called wood decay syndrome that kills young trees. Researchers found that multiple fungi, especially Neofusicoccum parvum and several Diaporthe species, working together cause this disease. Cold winter temperatures appear to weaken the trees, making them vulnerable to these fungal infections. Using both traditional lab methods and modern DNA analysis, scientists identified the fungi and confirmed which ones are most dangerous.

Background

Pomegranate cultivation has rapidly expanded in central and southern Italy, revealing emerging phytosanitary challenges including ‘pomegranate wood decay syndrome’ characterized by cortical cankers, wood browning, and progressive plant decline. This disease has caused significant losses in affected orchards, with mortality rates reaching up to 90% in some regions.

Objective

This study investigates the fungal microbiota associated with symptomatic pomegranate wood using combined traditional fungal isolation and ITS2 metabarcoding analysis to identify causal agents and understand the complex nature of the wood decay syndrome.

Results

Analysis identified 11 distinct fungal species, with Neofusicoccum parvum and Diaporthe species showing the highest prevalence. Metabarcoding identified 289 taxa with significantly higher diversity in symptomatic compared to asymptomatic wood. Pathogenicity tests confirmed N. parvum and particularly Diaporthe eres as pathogenic agents causing wood browning.

Conclusion

Pomegranate wood decay is a complex syndrome driven by multiple fungal pathogens acting synergistically, likely triggered by abiotic stressors such as low temperature stress. The integrative approach combining traditional isolation and metabarcoding proved valuable for understanding fungal-associated wood diseases in pomegranate orchards.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:Observational Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40278074; DOI: 10.3390/jof11040254
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