Population genomic analyses of the brown root-rot pathogen, Phellinus noxius, examine potential invasive spread among Pacific islands
| Authors: | Mee-Sook Kim, Jane E. Stewart, Louise Shuey, Norio Sahashi, Yuko Ota, Robert L. Schlub, Phil G. Cannon, Ned B. Klopfenstein |
| Year: | 2016 |
| Type: | Paper |
| Station: | Rocky Mountain Research Station |
| Source: | In: Ramsey, Amy; Palacios, Patsy, comps. Proceedings of the 63rd Annual Western International Forest Disease Work Conference; September 21-25, 2015; Newport, OR. Olympia, WA: Washington Department of Natural Resources; Logan, UT: Utah State University, Quinney College of Natural Resources. p. 151-153. |
Abstract
Phellinus noxius (Corner) G. H. Cunn is a vastly destructive, fast-growing fungal pathogen that affects a wide range of woody hosts in pan-tropical areas, including Asia, Australia, Africa, and Oceania (Ann et al. 2002; Figure 1) . This pathogen causes brown root-rot disease on cacao, coffee, and rubber, as well as diverse fruit, nut, ornamental, and other native/exotic trees, with little indication of host specificity (Sahashi et al. 2010). Pathogenic symptoms of P. noxius infection can include reduced tree growth, defoliation, and branch dieback; however, P. noxius can survive as a saprophyte by colonizing heartwood and/or other organic matter. Brown root-rot disease can develop over several years, or in some cases, P. noxius infection can cause tree mortality within a year. Understanding the genetic diversity and evolutional history of P. noxius populations worldwide well help assess the evolutionary origins, worldwide movement, and potential ecological differences within P. noxius.