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Published on: January 19, 2020
Oomycetes baited from streams in Tennessee 2010-2012
Sandesh K Shrestha1, Yuxin Zhou, Kurt Lamour
1Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996.
Mycologia
|August 8, 2013
Summary
Researchers surveyed Tennessee streams for the sudden oak-death pathogen Phytophthora ramorum, identifying numerous Phytophthora and Pythium species. This study highlights the diversity of oomycetes in aquatic environments.
Area of Science:
- Phytopathology
- Oomycete Taxonomy
- Environmental Microbiology
Background:
- Sudden oak death, caused by Phytophthora ramorum, is a significant threat to forest ecosystems.
- Oomycetes are important plant pathogens and aquatic microorganisms.
- Previous surveys for Phytophthora ramorum in Tennessee aquatic environments are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey streams in middle and eastern Tennessee for the presence of Phytophthora ramorum.
- To characterize the diversity of oomycete isolates recovered from these streams.
- To assess the potential role of aquatic environments in the dissemination of oomycetes.
Main Methods:
- Stream surveys were conducted in spring and fall from 2010-2012.
- Healthy Rhododendron leaves were used as bait to isolate oomycetes.
- Sequence analysis of the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region was used for species identification.
Main Results:
- A total of 354 oomycete isolates were recovered.
- 151 isolates were identified as Phytophthora, 200 as Pythium, 2 as Halophytophthora, and 1 as Phytopythium.
- Identified species include six Phytophthora, 11 Pythium, one Halophytophthora batemanensis, and one Phytopythium, along with several unknown species and the P. citricola complex.
Conclusions:
- Tennessee streams harbor a diverse community of oomycetes, including potential plant pathogens.
- Aquatic environments may serve as reservoirs and dispersal routes for oomycetes.
- Further research is needed to understand the ecological roles and implications of these oomycete findings.
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