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Updated: May 21, 2026
08:20
Sexual Development and Ascospore Discharge in Fusarium graminearum
Published on: March 29, 2012
Fungal phoenix rising from the ashes?
Michael J Wingfield1, Martin P A Coetzee, Pedro W Crous
1Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, Pretoria, 0002, South Africa;
IMA Fungus
|June 9, 2012
Summary
Researchers identified Armillaria mellea, an invasive fungus, fruiting in Cape Town's Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. This alien species poses a threat to native forests.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Plant Pathology
- Genetics
Background:
- Sporocarps of an Armillaria species were discovered in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, Cape Town, South Africa.
- These were linked to dead trees and Protea spp., indicating a potential pathogenic or saprophytic relationship.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the specific Armillaria species found fruiting in Kirstenbosch.
- To understand its origin and potential ecological impact in the region.
Main Methods:
- Isolates were obtained from the mycelium of dead roots connected to sporocarps.
- Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) and Intergenic Spacer 1 (IGS-1) regions were sequenced.
- Phylogenetic analysis using ITS sequences was performed to determine relationships with known Armillaria species.
Main Results:
- Sequence comparisons confirmed the isolates as Armillaria mellea.
- The identified Armillaria mellea isolates were identical to those previously found in South Africa, introduced from Europe.
- The species was found to be alien and invasive in Cape Town, fruiting profusely.
Conclusions:
- Armillaria mellea is an established alien and invasive species in Cape Town.
- Its profuse fruiting suggests a high potential for spread to the sensitive native forests surrounding the city.
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