Host range of Erwinia psidii and genetic resistance of Eucalyptus and Corymbia species to this pathogen

Dieback caused by Erwinia psidii is currently one of the most important emerging diseases in eucalypt plantations in Brazil. However, little is known in terms of the host range of this pathogen or the potential sources of resistance against the disease it causes. In this study, we inoculated plants of species from nine families to gain insight into the host range of E. psidii. Plants of all inoculated species of Myrtaceae except Acca sellowiana exhibited disease symptoms and therefore represent potential hosts for the pathogen under natural conditions. In addition, the response of four Corymbia species, 29 Eucalyptus species and three interspecific Eucalyptus hybrids to inoculation with E. psidii was evaluated. All Corymbia henryi, Corymbia maculata, Eucalyptus thozetiana, Eucalyptus cloeziana, Eucalyptus viminalis, Eucalyptus dalrympleana and Eucalyptus pilularis plants were highly resistant to the pathogen, whereas differential disease resistance was observed in the other species. This study provides important information on sources of resistance to Erwinia psidii with potential use in the development of clones with enhanced resistance in eucalypt species of economic importance.     

Screening of Corymbia and Eucalyptus species for resistance to Calonectria pteridis leaf blight

Calonectria leaf blight (CLB), caused by Calonectria pteridis, is a major foliar disease of eucalypt plantations in warm and high rainfall regions in Brazil. The use of resistant genotypes is the best method for disease control in the field, so identification of sources of resistance is strategic for the long‐term genetic breeding programmes of eucalypt. In this study, resistance of 13 species of Eucalyptus and 3 species of Corymbia to CLB was evaluated by spray inoculation of a spore suspension (1 × 10⁴ conidia ml^?1) of the pathogen, under controlled conditions. Eucalyptus brassiana, E. saligna, E. scias and E. agglomerata were the most resistant, while E. robusta, E. urophylla, E. camaldulensis, E. longirostrata and C. toreliana were moderately resistant and E. cloeziana, E. pellita, E. tereticornis, E. pilularis, C. maculata, E. grandis, E. dunnii and C. citriodora were the most susceptible. The broad inter and intraspecific variability of the species tested demonstrates the potential for introgression of resistance genes into valuable genotypes as a strategy for the breeding programmes and commercial plantation of eucalypt.     

First report of bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum on eucalypts in South Africa

Ralstonia solanacearum, the causal agent of bacterial wilt, has one of the widest host ranges of all phytopathogenic bacteria. This pathogen was first reported on Eucalyptus spp. in the late 1980s in Brazil. Since then, there have been reports of its occurrence on this host in Australia, China and Venezuela. Early in 1997, an 18‐month‐old clonally propagated Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus camaldulensis (GC) hybrid in Zululand, KwaZulu/Natal, showed signs of wilting. The vascular tissue of infected trees was dicoloured and bacterial exudation was produced from cut surfaces. The bacterium was consistently isolated from diseased tissue, purified and identified as R. solanacearum biovar 3 race 1, using the BioLog bacterial identification system. Inoculation trials were conducted on three E. grandis × E. camaldulensis clones (GC515, GC550 and GC505). Clone GC550 displayed wilting after 3 days and all cuttings subsequently died. Clones GC515 and GC505 appeared to be less susceptible with cuttings not showing signs of disease until 7 days after inoculation. After 14 days, 90 and 80%, respectively, of cuttings of these two clones had died. This is the first report of bacterial wilt on Eucalyptus in South Africa.     

桉树抗青枯病的鉴定技术

采用菌液浸泡法、顶尖接种法对不同的桉树无性系盆栽苗和生根组培苗进行抗青枯病性能测定,并结合林间调查筛选桉树抗青枯病树种和无性系,并从根系分泌物和组织研磨液的角度研究其对桉树青枯病菌生长的抑制作用,探索不同抗性桉树无性系抗病性强弱与其根系分泌物和组织研磨液之间的关系。结果表明:供试的18个桉树无性系中,bd1、bd2、赤桉和南宁巨尾桉为抗病无性系;U6、南宁尾叶桉、雷9、钦32-29为中抗无性系;DH32-27、钦9、南宁广9、钦8、邓恩桉、钦32-22、雷2、巨桉、尾叶桉和钦广9为感病无性系。不同抗性桉树无性系根系分泌物和组织研磨液对青枯菌没有直接拮抗作用,但随着接种时间的延长,青枯病菌在抗病性强的无性系的根系分泌物及组织液中的增殖显著低于感病无性系,验证通过茎段浸泡接种筛选出的桉树无性系的准确性,同时表明根系分泌物和组织研磨液可以反映桉树不同无性系的抗病性强弱。     

Aggressiveness,cultural characteristics and genetic variation of Ceratocystis fimbriata on Eucalyptus spp.

Ceratocystis wilt caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata is currently one of the most important diseases affecting Eucalyptus in Brazil. This disease is controlled by planting resistant clones; however, possible variability in the pathogen population may compromise the selection of resistant genotypes. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the aggressiveness of C. fimbriata isolates obtained from Eucalyptus spp, as well as their cultural characteristics and genetic variation of their ITS rDNA gene region. We found a significant isolate × clone interaction, with the isolate RM35 being the most aggressive and presenting a broader spectrum of aggressiveness, causing greater xylem discoloration on a larger number of clones. This isolate is the most suitable for artificial inoculations focusing on the selection of resistant materials. Clones CLR‐236 and CLR‐212 were identified as the most resistant and clones CLR‐223 and CLR‐240 as the most susceptible and those that are recommended as reliable comparators in artificial inoculations. All isolates were morphologically similar and differed from C. fimbriata from sweet potato by the formation of a wide mouth endoconidiophore that produces doliform endoconidia. According to the culture media and temperature applied, the most favourable conditions for mycelial growth were observed using malt extract agar (MEA) and temperatures ranging from 24 to 26°C. There was no correlation between sporulation and aggressiveness. Great variation in ITS sequences was observed, and a total of five ITS genotypes were identified among the ten isolates tested.     

Virulence of Cryphonectria cubensis on Eucalyptus species differing in resistance

Variability in virulence were detected among geographic isolates of Cryphonectria.cubensis (Bruner) Hodges. Inoculation studies of isolates, originally cultured from Brazil, Africa and Hawaii, in provenance of Eucalyptus pellita F. Muell (resistant) and E. saligna Sm. (susceptible) showed that the variation in resistance of Eucalyptus spp. is quantitatively isolate-specific; the variation in virulence quantitatively host-specific. The practical consequences of pathogenic variability of C. cubensis and the strategies of selection and breeding of Eucalyptus for resistance is discussed.     

Susceptibility of Eucalyptus grandis to Cryphonectria cubensis

Artificial inoculation of rooted Eucalyptus grandis cuttings with Cryphonectria cubensis in the glasshouse showed that significant differences exist in the susceptibility of various Eucalyptus clones to the pathogen. A 61.3% difference in susceptibility was observed between the most resistant and susceptible group of clones. Results appeared, however, to have been influenced by genotype × environment interaction.     

Quambalaria eucalypti a pathogen of Eucalyptus globulus newly reported in Portugal and in Europe

The Eucalyptus pathogen Quambalaria eucalypti has been reported from several subtropical and tropical countries of the Southern Hemisphere. During the course of a nationwide monitoring programme aimed at the detection of pathogens in commercial eucalypt plantations in Portugal, Q. eucalypti was found affecting Eucalyptus globulus. The identity of the pathogen was confirmed by sequence analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rDNA operon, as well as morphological characteristics. Quambalaria eucalypti is widespread throughout the eucalypt‐producing areas of Portugal. Pathogenicity studies revealed that different host genotypes showed various degrees of susceptibility to the pathogen. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Q. eucalypti on Eucalyptus spp. in Portugal and in the Northern Hemisphere.     

Detection and characterization of Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum infecting Eucalyptus sp. in Brazil

Ralstonia solanacearum sensu lato causes bacterial wilt in many agronomic crops and tree species economically important worldwide. It is a species complex that has been divided into phylotypes and sequevars, commonly related to geographic distribution. Knowledge of the phylotype composition and genetic variability in populations of this phytopathogenic bacterium is useful for implementing effective control measures. In a survey conducted in 2019, six bacterial strains were obtained from wilted Eucalyptus urophylla trees in plantations located in the municipality of Dom Eliseu, Pará state, Brazil. Multiplex PCR based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) indicated that the bacterial strains belonged to two different species, namely R. pseudosolanacearum (phylotype I) and R. solanacearum (phylotype II). In a phylogenetic analysis, the nucleotide sequence of the endoglucanase (egl) gene from eucalypt strains of phylotype I clustered together with sequevar 18 sequences from GenBank. Separation of the strains into two different species was confirmed by repetitive element palindromic PCR (rep‐PCR). Pathogenicity tests demonstrated that the R. solanacearum and R. pseudosolanacearum strains recovered from E. urophylla cause disease in both tomato and eucalypt plants. Until now, only R. solanacearum (Phylotype II) has been reported causing wilt symptoms on Eucalyptus spp. in Brazil. Therefore, the presence of R. pseudosolanacearum and a need for better understanding of its genetic and aggressiveness variability as well as possible differences between the two species should be considered in breeding programmes aimed at the deployment of host resistance.     

Ralstonia solanacearum decreases volumetric growth of trees and yield of kraft cellulose of Eucalyptus spp.

Ralstonia solanacearum is currently one of the most important plant pathogenic bacteria worldwide, with a wide geographical distribution and host diversity. The pathogen infects more than 200 plant species belonging to approximately 50 plant families, including Eucalyptus spp. Although, high losses have been reported in nurseries, little is known on the negative impact of the disease in the field. In this study, we evaluated the incidence of R. solanacearum and its effect on volumetric growth and cellulose yield of discoloured wood chips obtained from infected trees of one clone of Eucalyptus urophylla and two hybrid clones of Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis. The average incidence of bacterial wilt ranged between 60.6% and 72.4%. Volumetric growth of infected trees disease decreased 78.6% and 81.7% at 18 and 30 months, respectively. The pulp screen yield of three clones decreased between 3.2 and 6.4%, with an average 4.3%. The results of this work provide useful information on the losses of volumetric growth and pulp yield of eucalypt caused by R. solanacearum.     

Pestalotiopsis biciliata,a new leaf pathogen of Eucalyptus spp. recorded in Italy

The present paper describes new symptoms on Eucalyptus spp. in Central Italy associated with the fungal pathogen Pestalotiopsis biciliata. This fungal species has been previously recorded in Italy on grape associated with fruit rot. Artificial inoculation trials on leaves confirmed the pathogenicity of the fungus to Eucalyptus camaldulensis. P. biciliata is included in the list of Pestalotiopsis spp. responsible for leaf disease on eucalypts worldwide.     

Molecular Discrimination of Eucalypt Clones Using the ISSR Marker System

Clonal forestry captures genetic gain generated by skillful selection and is now well recognized as a method for mass production of desired trees to obtain increased economic benefits. In Eucalyptus, clonal plantations have enhanced the productivity twofold, compared to plantations of unimproved seed origin. The present investigation was carried out to assess the genetic relationship of 41 eucalypt clones using the intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) marker system. The ISSR-derived dendrogram and principal coordinate analysis (PCA) clustered 39 clones into two groups of E. camaldulensis and E. tereticornis in agreement with their taxonomic classification. Further, a total of three clone specific diagnostic markers and five unique profiles were identified using five ISSR primers. The eucalypt clones analyzed in the present investigations are derived from the breeding populations of both the species and are presently being used for large-scale plantation and hybridization studies. The molecular marker based clonal discrimination can be used to avoid duplication of clones and quality control of planting stock.

[Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Journal of Sustainable Forestry for the following free supplemental resource(s): ISSR Profiles of Eucalyptus Clones]     

Protocol for screening rust disease resistance in Dalbergia sissoo

A protocol has been developed for inoculation of rust disease in Dalbergia sissoo using urediniospores of Maravilia achroa. This is the first time that disease symptoms caused by M. achroa were artificially produced. The method has been successfully employed for screening 15 clones of D. sissoo against rust disease. Clone S‐167 was the most resistant remaining free from infection. Clones S‐57, S‐106 and S‐124 were also resistant. Clones S‐19, S‐24 and S‐89 were susceptible.     

Wind dispersal of Puccinia psidii urediniospores and progress of eucalypt rust

To identify and implement Puccinia psidii control strategies, it is essential to understand the role of environmental factors on rust‐disease development and spread among eucalypt (Eucalyptus spp.) plantations. In this study, we evaluated the wind dispersal of P. psidii urediniospores and the progress of eucalypt rust in a field trial in Brazil. Urediniospores of P. psidii were trapped in a Burkard^® spore trap from July 2004 to June 2005. To evaluate the progress of eucalypt rust, plots were established in March 2002 using a clonal hedge scheme. The incidence of both branches and leaves with rust was assessed weekly from February 2003 to October 2005. Disease progress was studied using time‐series analysis. Urediniospores were trapped on 77% of the days sampled. The highest average urediniospore concentration was detected from July to November, and most of the urediniospores (58%) were trapped at night. Urediniospore concentration was negatively correlated with rainfall, light intensity, minimum, average and maximum temperatures and wind speed, whereas urediniospore concentration was positively correlated with leaf‐wetness duration and relative humidity. From December 2004 to June 2005, average urediniospore concentration was 0.22 spores m^?3 air h^?1 and had no correlation with meteorological data. The highest average urediniospore concentration was associated with a combination of low average temperature, low light intensity, low wind speed, high relative humidity and high leaf wetness, which reflect conditions observed at night. The disease incidence was positively correlated with the urediniospores trapped at 12 days prior to disease assessment. According to the models obtained by the time series, a seasonal yearly effect was found on rust progress. Using our models, we were also able to forecast disease incidence up to 3 months after the last field assessment.     

Individual resistance of Fraxinus angustifolia clones to ash dieback

The presumed resistance of individual ash trees to ash dieback caused by invasive pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus is an important issue for the maintenance of ash in European forests. All known studies regarding the resistance of ash trees to ash dieback were conducted in plantations and stands of F. excelsior; however, no such data exist for F. angustifolia. Crown damage assessments were performed over four consecutive years between 2009 and 2012 at a F. angustifolia clonal plantation in Hra??ica, Slovenia. Inoculation of H. fraxineus into the branches of the most and least damaged clones of F. angustifolia and leaf phenology assessments was performed to verify the presence of defence mechanisms that limit fungal growth or promote disease escape. Additionally, root collars of selected clones were inspected for fungal infections. The crown damage assessments showed considerable differences among F. angustifolia clones, indicating genetic variability in susceptibility to ash dieback. Crown dieback progressed significantly over the 4‐year time period; the mean crown damage of individual clones in 2012 varied between 16.7% and 83.8%. Significant differences among F. angustifolia clones were found in the inoculation trials and leaf phenology assessments. However, defence mechanisms such as early leaf flushing, early leaf shedding and the ability to inhibit pathogen growth in host tissues were not confirmed. High frequency of Armillaria spp. and H. fraxineus root collar infection demonstrated the need for whole tree inspection to determine causal agent of damages on individual ash trees. Armillaria spp. may be highly associated with ash decline epidemiology.     

Effect of environment on the response of Eucalyptus clones to inoculation with Cryphonectria cubensis

The ascomycete Cryphonectria cubensis causes severe losses in Eucalyptus plantations in South Africa and selection programmes for disease tolerance are necessary. The aim of this study was to use two C. cubensis inoculation trials, planted at different locations to assess the disease susceptibility of the clones and the effect of the environment on disease development. These two trials consisted each of 21 Eucalyptus clones (E. grandis, E. grandis × camaldulensis and E. grandis × urophylla). All trees were inoculated with a single virulent strain of C. cubensis and lesion widths measured 6 and 12 months after inoculation. Clones differed significantly in their tolerance to C. cubensis. Further, disease severity differed depending on the geographical location of the trial. A significant clone × locality (genotype × environment) interaction was observed. Therefore, screening for disease resistance should take place only in areas where clones will be commercially grown.     

桉树对青枯病抗性与过氧化物酶及同工酶关系的研究

对７个具有不同青枯病抗性的桉树品系的叶部和根部的过氧化物酶活性进行了测定,对同工酶进行了电泳分析。酶活性测定结果表明,桉树各品系叶部的过氧化物酶活性显著高于根部。对青枯病具有不同抗性的７个桉树品系,其叶部的过氧化物酶活性存在着显著差异。对青枯病抗性较弱的Ｆ１１和Ｅ１３品系体内的过氧化物酶显著比其它抗性品系体内的酶活性低。同工酶电泳分析表明,桉树对青枯病不同抗病性品系之间的同工酶谱带,在条带数和各条     

Erysiphe alphitoides causes powdery mildew on Eucalyptus gunnii

In June 2016, pot‐grown Eucalyptus gunnii plants showing typical symptoms of powdery mildew disease were found in a greenhouse in Korea. Morphological characteristics of the anamorph and molecular sequence analyses of the ITS regions and 28S rDNA verified the fungus as Erysiphe alphitoides, which is known as common and widespread powdery mildew on Quercus spp. Although E. alphitoides has been reportedly associated with powdery mildew diseases of tropical trees and shrubs other than Quercus spp., this is the first finding of E. alphitoides on a Eucalyptus tree worldwide.