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Exploring Metabolic Interaction between Ophiostoma novo-ulmi and Geosmithia spp.
Alessia Lucia Pepori1, Hari Berto2,3, Alessandra Gionni2
1National Research Council - Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, Via Madonna del Piano 10, Sesto Fiorentino, I-50019, Italy. alessia.pepori@cnr.it.
Microbial Ecology
|July 2, 2026
Summary
Dutch elm disease (DED) pathogen Ophiostoma novo-ulmi interacts with Geosmithia fungi. These fungi exhibit distinct metabolic strategies and resource partitioning, influencing DED development and vector ecology.
Area of Science:
- Plant pathology
- Mycology
- Ecology
Background:
- Dutch elm disease (DED), caused by Ophiostoma novo-ulmi, is a significant elm pandemic.
- The ecological role of Geosmithia spp. co-occurring with O. novo-ulmi on elm bark beetles is poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate metabolic interactions between O. novo-ulmi and Geosmithia spp.
- To elucidate ecological mechanisms influencing DED development and vector ecology.
Main Methods:
- In vitro dual-culture experiments
- Phenotype microarray analysis
- Niche overlap and fungal competitiveness analysis
Main Results:
- O. novo-ulmi subsp. novo-ulmi showed enhanced growth near Geosmithia isolates.
- Distinct metabolic strategies observed: O. novo-ulmi utilized simple substrates rapidly, while Geosmithia pumila utilized complex nitrogen-rich substrates progressively.
- Asymmetric resource partitioning and niche construction were evident, with G. pumila showing superior fungal competitiveness.
Conclusions:
- Metabolic interactions and resource partitioning between O. novo-ulmi and Geosmithia spp. support a functional association within the DED pathosystem.
- Microbial community complexity is crucial in pathogenic interactions.
- Understanding these multitrophic relationships is essential for DED management.
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