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Endophytic Phomopsis species: host range and implications for diversity estimates
T S Murali1, T S Suryanarayanan, R Geeta
1PG and Research Department of Botany, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College, Chennai, India.
Canadian Journal of Microbiology
|August 19, 2006
Summary
A Phomopsis species dominates teak foliar endophytes across diverse forests. Sequence analysis reveals this fungus is not host-specific, suggesting a need to redefine the Phomopsis species concept.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Plant Pathology
- Ecology
Background:
- Foliar endophytes play crucial roles in plant health and ecosystem dynamics.
- Teak (Tectona grandis) is an economically important timber species with diverse endophytic communities.
- Understanding endophyte host specificity is vital for ecological and agricultural applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare foliar endophyte assemblages in teak trees from different forest types.
- To investigate the host specificity and phylogenetic relationships of dominant Phomopsis endophytes.
- To assess the saprophytic survival strategies of Phomopsis in teak leaf litter.
Main Methods:
- Sampling of teak leaves from dry and moist deciduous forests in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
- Isolation and identification of endophytic fungi.
- Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) sequence analysis of Phomopsis isolates.
- Phylogenetic analysis to determine relationships between isolates.
Main Results:
- A Phomopsis species consistently dominated teak foliar endophyte communities across different forest locations.
- ITS sequence analysis grouped the Phomopsis isolates into two distinct clades, indicating genetic divergence.
- Phomopsis isolates from teak and Cassia fistula showed no strict host restriction, surviving as saprotrophs on senescent leaves and litter.
- A Phomopsis isolate from a distant teak tree formed a separate phylogenetic group, suggesting geographical influence on genetic diversity.
Conclusions:
- The Phomopsis endophyte is not host-specific and exhibits saprophytic behavior in teak leaf litter.
- Phylogenetic analysis indicates potential cryptic speciation within the endophytic Phomopsis complex.
- The findings challenge the current species concept for Phomopsis, advocating for redefinition based on broader ecological and genetic data.
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