Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 23, 2026
05:34
Sexual Crosses with the Mucoromycete Phycomyces blakesleeanus
Published on: June 6, 2025
629
Geosmithia-Ophiostoma: a New Fungus-Fungus Association
Alessia L Pepori1, Priscilla P Bettini2, Cecilia Comparini1,3
1Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (IPSP-CNR), via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy.
Microbial Ecology
|September 7, 2017
Summary
Dutch elm disease (DED) is devastating elms. A newly identified interaction between Geosmithia fungi and Ophiostoma novo-ulmi may offer a natural way to reduce DED severity.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Mycology
- Forest Science
Background:
- Dutch elm disease (DED), caused by Ophiostoma novo-ulmi, devastates elm populations in Europe and North America.
- Elm bark beetles transmit O. novo-ulmi and also carry Geosmithia fungi, with recent evidence of horizontal gene transfer between these species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between O. novo-ulmi and Geosmithia fungi within the DED pathosystem.
- To determine if Geosmithia plays a role in modulating DED severity.
Main Methods:
- Dual cultures of O. novo-ulmi and Geosmithia species were grown and observed using light and fluorescence microscopy.
- Growth and sporulation of O. novo-ulmi were compared in the presence and absence of Geosmithia.
- In vivo co-inoculation experiments in elm trees were conducted to assess the impact of Geosmithia on DED.
Main Results:
- A stable, close interaction was observed between Geosmithia and O. novo-ulmi, consistent with mycoparasitism by Geosmithia.
- Geosmithia did not inhibit the growth or sporulation of O. novo-ulmi in vitro.
- In vivo studies indicated that Geosmithia may reduce the severity of DED in elms.
Conclusions:
- Geosmithia represents a new biological component in the DED pathosystem.
- The mycoparasitic relationship between Geosmithia and O. novo-ulmi shows potential for biological control of Dutch elm disease.
Keywords:
Biological controlDutch elm disease (DED)Fungus-fungus interactionGeosmithia spp.MycoparasiteOphiostoma novo-ulmiMore Related Videos
11:48Microscopy Techniques for Interpreting Fungal Colonization in Mycoheterotrophic Plants Tissues and Symbiotic Germination of Seeds
Published on: May 17, 2022
5.0K
06:58Author Spotlight: Evaluation of Entomopathogenic Fungi in Wild Monochamus alternatus Populations for Biocontrol Applications in Forest Wood Borers
Published on: September 29, 2023
1.4K
Related Concept Videos
01:29Fungal Group Zygomycota
1.6K
Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...
1.6K
01:28Fungal Phylum Microsporidia
600
Microsporidia are a group of obligate intracellular fungi that were initially classified as protists but were later reclassified based on phylogenetic, molecular, and structural evidence linking them to the Chytridiomycota. These unicellular, non-motile organisms are highly specialized parasites that infect a wide range of animal hosts, including humans. They have evolved extensive genomic and metabolic reductions, making them highly dependent on their hosts for survival.Morphology and Genomic...
600
01:28Fungal Phylum Ascomycota
1.8K
Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...
1.8K
01:26Fungal Phylum Basidiomycota
1.5K
Basidiomycota is a diverse phylum of fungi that includes ecologically significant decomposers such as white rot fungi, symbionts like mycorrhizal fungi, plant pathogens such as rusts and smuts, and edible species like Agaricus bisporus (the common button mushroom). These fungi play crucial roles in nutrient cycling, symbiotic relationships, and even human health. Their defining feature is the basidium, a microscopic club-shaped structure responsible for producing basidiospores.Fruiting Bodies...
1.5K
01:29Overview of Fungi
2.1K
Fungi are a diverse group of eukaryotes more closely related to animals than other eukaryotes. Fungal cell walls comprise chitin, a polysaccharide that provides structural strength, and glucans, which contribute to flexibility and integrity. Other polysaccharides, such as mannans and galactosans, may supplement or replace chitin in some fungi. These adaptations, along with their preference for acidic environments and tolerance for high osmotic pressure, enable fungi to thrive in various...
2.1K
01:27Diversity of Protists II
1.4K
Alveolates are a group of organisms recognized by the presence of alveoli, which are cytoplasmic sacs located beneath the cell membrane. While their function remains uncertain, alveoli may help regulate water balance by controlling how much water enters and leaves the cell. In dinoflagellates, these structures may serve as armor plates. There are three major types of alveolates: ciliates, which move using cilia; dinoflagellates, which use flagella for movement; and apicomplexans, which are...
1.4K