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.     

Influence of environmental pH modulation on efficiency of apoplastic PR proteins during Fusarium culmorum– wheat seedling interaction

Variation of apoplastic pH by Fusarium culmorum and its influence on the production, activity and isoenzymes patterns of the pathogenesis‐related (PR) proteins β1,3‐glucanase, chitinase and peroxidase enzymes were detected in apoplastic fluids (AFs) from infected wheat seedlings. The time course in the 24–48 h interval post infection was characterized by an increase in activity and isoenzymatic differential induction of the selected PR proteins and by a concomitant rise of apoplastic pH. Chitinase attained maximum activity at pH 8·0 in the case of inoculated seedlings. Optimal β1,3‐glucanase activity in the pH range 6·0–8·0, was observed at pH 7·0. Peroxidase was strongly affected by pH, with enzyme activity having a maximum rate at pH 6·0 and thereafter rapidly declining at higher pH. Maximum peroxidase activity paralleled the appearance of the complete isoenzymatic pattern. In order to investigate the biological role of PR proteins in AFs, the in vitro antifungal activity was evaluated. In the interval 0–6 h, pH of macroconidia suspensions rose up to 7·2. AFs revealed inhibitory activity against germinating macroconidia of F. culmorum by decreasing the germination efficiency of macroconidia apical compartments, while this effect was compensated by an increased germination capacity of middle compartments. Present results suggest that during infection of wheat seedlings by F. culmorum the pH modulation favours host colonization by enhancing the activity of pectin lyase, and simultaneously inhibits the capacity of the host to oppose the pathogen by interfering with peroxidases which represent an important component of the defence arsenal.     

Oak decline: Aerobic bacteria associated with declining Quercus cerris in Central Italy

Declining Turkey oaks (Quercus cerris) in Central Italy were studied. Bacteria were isolated from woody tissues between necrotic areas and healthy tissues beneath the bark, from apparently healthy tissues and from exudates oozing from the trunk in spring. A total of 98 bacterial isolates were collected. The determination of the bacteria was by fatty acid profiling and biochemical tests. Erwinia herbicola was frequently found both in necrotic and healthy tissues. Ice-nucleation active species were present. None of the species isolated was considered responsible for the decline     

Fungi associated with root rot and collapse of melon in Italy

Melon represents the most widespread cucurbit in Italy. In recent years melon has been subjected to significant losses in yield and quality due to an increasing number of soil-borne fungal diseases. The collapse of melon, caused by a complex of fungal pathogens, including Monosporascus cannonballus , Acremonium cucurbitacearum , Plectosporium tabacinum and Rhizopycnis vagum , represents one of most destructive diseases worldwide. The purpose of this study was to determine the occurrence of collapse throughout melon-producing areas in Italy in recent years, to verify the identification of isolates collected, and to test their pathogenicity on melon and other cucurbits. Several fungi were isolated from symptomatic roots of melons in the Italian production areas. The identification was supported by PCR with a species-specific primer and DNA sequence data. RFLP and sequence analyses showed the existence of a substantial homogeneity among Italian M. cannonballus isolates. Given the self-incompatibility of these isolates it is impossible to ascertain vegetative compatibility groups (VGC) and consequently genetic relatedness cannot be studied. The frequency of isolation of fungal species varied with geographic locations, M. cannonballus being present mainly in Central Italy, while A. cucurbitacearum and P. tabacinum were most common in Apulia. In pathogenicity tests under greenhouse conditions M. cannonballus , A. cucurbitacearum and P. tabacinum caused collapse symptoms and root rots, whereas R. vagum was found to be a weak pathogen.     

Modulation of host pH during the wheat–Fusarium culmorum interaction and its influence on the production and activity of pectolytic enzymes

The effect on ambient pH of Fusarium culmorum during its growth on mineral medium and in apoplastic fluids from infected wheat seedlings, and the effect on the production and activity of the enzymes pectin lyase (PNL) and polygalacturonase (PG), were investigated. Fungal development on a weakly buffered mineral medium in the pH range 5·0–8·0, with pectin as the sole carbon source, led to pronounced alkalinization, reaching values above 8·0. The increase in ambient pH was accompanied by enhancement of total PNL activity. Pectin lyase secretion was detected at pH 5·0 as a single isoenzyme. An additional isoenzyme was apparent during the increase in medium pH. Polygalacturonase was detected as a single isoenzyme only during early growth on medium buffered at pH 5·0. At this stage, the initial medium pH of 5·0, corresponding to the optimum pH for PG activity, appeared to be the most suitable for the activation of early production of this enzyme. During growth in acidified yeast extract medium the fungus secreted ammonia and increased medium pH. Similarly, in apoplastic fluids from inoculated seedlings the concomitant ammonia accumulation and rise in pH were recorded. This trend was accompanied by an increase in PNL, which could therefore function at close to its optimal pH. The results suggest that during infection of wheat seedlings by F. culmorum , pH modulation can lead to PNL production and activity, thus promoting colonization of host tissue.