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Characterization of South African Cryphonectria cubensis Isolates Infected with a C. parasitica Hypovirus
Abstract:
ABSTRACT Cryphonectria cubensis is the causal agent of a serious canker disease of Eucalyptus spp. in tropical and subtropical parts of the world. In this study, a South African C. cubensis isolate was transfected by electroporation with a synthetic RNA transcript corresponding to the full-length coding strand of the C. parasitica hypovirus (CHV1-EP713). Hypovirus infection resulted in pronounced morphological changes that included a striking increase in bright yellow-orange pigment production, a reduction in mycelial growth rate, and reduced sporulation. Greenhouse studies revealed that the virus-containing strain was significantly less virulent than the original virulent C. cubensis isolate. Although the hypovirus was not transmitted through conidia produced by infected C. cubensis, the virus was readily transmitted via hyphal anastomosis to C. cubensis isolates representing a broad range of vegetative compatibility groups. These results suggest that vegetative incompatibility may not pose a strong barrier against virus transmission in South African isolates of C. cubensis and that hypovirus-mediated biological control could provide opportunities to reduce the impact of Cryphonectria canker in South Africa.
Insights
Hypovirus infection of Cryphonectria cubensis, the fungus causing Eucalyptus canker disease, reduced its virulence. This hypovirus (CHV1-EP713) shows potential for biological control of this significant plant pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Virology
- Mycology
Background:
- Cryphonectria cubensis causes a significant canker disease in Eucalyptus species globally.
- Hypoviruses are known to attenuate fungal pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of hypovirus infection on a South African isolate of Cryphonectria cubensis.
- To assess the potential of hypovirus-mediated biological control for Eucalyptus canker disease.
Main Methods:
- Electroporation of a South African C. cubensis isolate with a synthetic hypovirus RNA transcript (CHV1-EP713).
- Evaluation of morphological changes, growth rate, and sporulation in infected isolates.
- Greenhouse studies to assess virulence and transmission routes (conidia vs. hyphal anastomosis).
Main Results:
- Hypovirus infection induced significant morphological changes, including increased pigment production and reduced growth and sporulation.
- Virus-containing C. cubensis strains exhibited significantly reduced virulence compared to the original isolate.
- Hypovirus was not transmitted via conidia but was effectively transmitted through hyphal anastomosis across vegetative compatibility groups.
Conclusions:
- Hypovirus infection attenuates the virulence of Cryphonectria cubensis, offering a potential biological control strategy.
- Vegetative incompatibility does not appear to be a significant barrier to hypovirus transmission in South African C. cubensis isolates.
- Hypovirus-mediated biocontrol presents a promising avenue for managing Eucalyptus canker in South Africa.
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