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Pomegranate Woody Mycobiota Associated with Wood Decay

Summary

Pomegranate trees in Italy are suffering from a wood disease that causes cankers and browning of the wood, leading to plant death and crop loss. Researchers identified multiple fungal species responsible for this disease, with Neofusicoccum parvum and Diaporthe species being the main culprits. Cold winter temperatures appear to weaken trees, making them susceptible to these fungal infections. Using advanced DNA analysis along with traditional methods, scientists confirmed which fungi cause the most damage and how the disease develops.

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 threatens pomegranate orchards with losses reaching 30-90% in affected regions. Understanding the fungal pathogens involved is essential for disease management.

Objective

This study investigates the fungal microbiota associated with symptomatic pomegranate wood using combined traditional fungal isolation and ITS2 metabarcoding analysis. The research aims to identify the causative fungal pathogens, assess their pathogenic potential, and characterize the fungal community complexity in diseased tissues.

Results

Analysis revealed Neofusicoccum parvum and Diaporthe species as primary pathogens, with metabarcoding identifying 289 taxa and higher fungal diversity in symptomatic tissues. Pathogenicity tests confirmed N. parvum caused significant wood browning, while Diaporthe eres demonstrated consistent pathogenic activity. Coniella granati, previously implicated in pomegranate decline, was absent in the studied orchards.

Conclusion

Pomegranate wood decay is a complex syndrome driven by multiple fungal pathogens and environmental stressors such as low temperatures. The integrative approach combining isolation, molecular identification, and metabarcoding effectively characterizes fungal-associated wood diseases. Climate conditions appear to be a triggering factor making plants susceptible to various wood pathogens.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi (Basel),
  • Study Type:Observational Study,
  • Source: 10.3390/jof11040254; PMID: 40278074
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