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The Heterogeneity of Ornamental Plants in Nurseries Increases the Chance of Finding New Hosts for Phytophthora

Summary

Ornamental plant nurseries in Mexico are frequently affected by Phytophthora pathogens that cause rotting, wilting, and dieback in flowers and ornamental plants. This study identified seven different Phytophthora species infecting 13 types of ornamental plants in Mexican nurseries, including two species never before reported as hosts for the pathogen anywhere in the world. The diversity of plants grown together in nurseries increases the likelihood that the pathogen will spread to new host plants and escape to home gardens and natural ecosystems.

Background

Phytophthora species cause significant damage to ornamental plant production systems worldwide by inducing stem and root rots, dieback, wilting, and foliar blights. Mexico is a leading global producer of ornamental plants, but studies on Phytophthora affecting Mexican ornamental nurseries remain scarce despite the country’s megadiverse vegetation and widespread plant distribution across states.

Objective

This study aimed to identify and characterize Phytophthora species from selected ornamental plant nurseries in Mexico to determine potential new hosts both domestically and globally, addressing the gap in knowledge about oomycete pathogens affecting Mexican ornamental production.

Results

Nineteen isolates from 13 genera of ornamental plants were identified as seven Phytophthora species: P. cactorum, P. capsici, P. cinnamomi, P. drechsleri, P. kelmanii, P. nicotianae, and P. tropicalis. Two isolates from the P. capsici complex appeared to represent an undescribed species, and one represented an interspecific hybrid. Cestrum nocturnum and Solanum ovigerum were identified as new hosts for Phytophthora worldwide, with P. kelmanii reported for the first time in Mexico.

Conclusion

The heterogeneity of ornamental plants in Mexican nurseries creates an environment facilitating Phytophthora host range expansion and cross-infections, necessitating improved disease management strategies. Knowledge of Phytophthora species diversity in Mexican nurseries is vital for preventing pathogen spread to novel areas and protecting natural ecosystems, agricultural crops, and urban gardens.
  • Published in:Journal of Fungi,
  • Study Type:Field Survey with Molecular Analysis,
  • Source: PMID: 40137225, DOI: 10.3390/jof11030187
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