Pomegranate Woody Mycobiota Associated with Wood Decay
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The rapid expansion of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivation in central and southern Italy has revealed emerging phytosanitary challenges, including "pomegranate wood decay syndrome”, characterised by cortical cankers, wood browning, and progressive plant decline. This study investigates the fungal microbiota associated with symptomatic pomegranate wood using a combined approach of traditional fungal isolation and ITS2 metabarcoding analysis. Samples from two orchards in Lazio were examined, revealing a complex fungal community with a high prevalence of Neofusicoccum parvum and species of the Diaporthe complex. Pathogenicity tests confirmed the role of N. parvum in causing significant wood browning, while other isolates showed variable virulence. Statistical analyses validated the pathogenicity of select isolates, with Diaporthe eres (Nitschke) consistently demonstrating potential pathogenic activity across all trials. Metabarcoding identified 289 taxa highlighting a richer fungal diversity in symptomatic wood compared to asymptomatic sections. Notably, Coniella granati, previously implicated in pomegranate decline, was absent in the studied orchards. The findings reveal that pomegranate wood decay is a complex syndrome driven by fungal pathogens and environmental stressors, such as low temperatures. This study highlights the value of integrative approaches for understanding and managing fungal-associated wood diseases in pomegranate orchards.
Source: Journal of Fungi
DOI: 10.3390/jof11040254
Authors: Valentino Bergamaschi, Maria Teresa Valente, Rosario Muleo
Language: English
Subfield: Cell Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W4408879496