Ochroconis globalis infecting Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), with a review of Ochroconis species in cold‐blooded animals

Necropsy examination of an adult Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) from the Dalälven River in Sweden revealed numerous large, white nodules, with spherical cysts and granulomata in kidney and liver. Histopathology showed dark, septate, thin‐walled hyphae. The aetiologic agent was found to be an Ochroconis species (Venturiales) that differed from known fish‐associated species of the genus. Molecular phylogenetic studies of the culture (strain UIII09 = CBS 135766) demonstrated that Ochroconis globalis was concerned. The isolate proved to be susceptible to all investigated antifungals, as it is known for another Ochroconis species. The role of Ochroconis in opportunism of cold‐blooded animals was discussed, and the diagnostic methods using DNA sequences for routine identification of the fungus were proposed.     

Identification of genomic regions associated with resistance to blackleg (Leptosphaeria maculans) in canola using genome wide association study

Black rot of crucifers is one of the most important diseases of wild rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L. (D.C.)) caused by the seedborne pathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris. From 2005, it frequently affected this cultivation in the south of Italy, leading to heavy crop losses. In the present work, we aimed to describe the physiological and molecular characteristics of twenty X. campestris pv. campestris strains isolated from plants and seeds. Ten Xanthomonas spp. strains contaminating seeds were identified on the basis of molecular characterization and in vivo pathogenicity on a discriminating host range. Some of seed-borne isolates were ascribed to the species Xanthomonas campestris pv. raphani and X. campestris pv. incanae, indicating the occurrence of non-host pathogenic Xanthomonas on wild rocket seeds. As well as the presence of pathogenic bacteria, even non-pathogenic Xanthomonas spp. strains were detected on the seeds, underlying the importance of identifying them to evaluate the suitability of lots intended for sowing. A phylogeny using 69 Gyrase B (gyrB) sequences retrieved from the literature, was also carried out, highlighting species relatedness. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive framework for Xanthomonas species affecting wild rocket in Southern Italy.