Synchrospora gen. nov., a New Peronosporaceae Genus with Aerial Lifestyle from a Natural Cloud Forest in Panama.

During a survey of Phytophthora diversity in Panama, fast-growing oomycete isolates were obtained from naturally fallen leaves of an unidentified tree species in a tropical cloud forest. Phylogenetic analyses of sequences from the nuclear ITS, LSU and ßtub loci and the mitochondrial cox1 and cox2 genes revealed that they belong to a new species of a new genus, officially described here as Synchrospora gen. nov., which resided as a basal genus within the Peronosporaceae. The type species S. medusiformis has unique morphological characteristics. The sporangiophores show determinate growth, multifurcating at the end, forming a stunted, candelabra-like apex from which multiple (8 to >100) long, curved pedicels are growing simultaneously in a medusa-like way. The caducous papillate sporangia mature and are shed synchronously. The breeding system is homothallic, hence more inbreeding than outcrossing, with smooth-walled oogonia, plerotic oospores and paragynous antheridia. Optimum and maximum temperatures for growth are 22.5 and 25-27.5 °C, consistent with its natural cloud forest habitat. It is concluded that S. medusiformis as adapted to a lifestyle as a canopy-dwelling leaf pathogen in tropical cloud forests. More oomycete explorations in the canopies of tropical rainforests and cloud forests are needed to elucidate the diversity, host associations and ecological roles of oomycetes and, in particular, S. medusiformis and possibly other Synchrospora taxa in this as yet under-explored habitat.

Host-generalist fungal pathogens of seedlings may maintain forest diversity via host-specific impacts and differential susceptibility among tree species.

Host-specialized pathogens are credited with the maintenance of tropical forest diversity under the Janzen-Connell hypothesis. Yet, in diverse forests, selection may favor pathogens with broad host ranges, given their passive dispersal and the relative rarity of tree species. We surveyed the host associations of potential pathogens isolated from symptomatic seedlings in forests in Panama and used inoculations to assess the pathogenicity and host ranges of 27 fungal isolates, and differences among tree species in susceptibility. Thirty-one of the 33 nonsingleton operational taxonomic units (OTUs) isolated from seedlings are multi-host. All 31 multi-host OTUs exhibit low to moderate specialization, and we observed phylogenetically overdispersed host use for 19 OTUs. The pathogenicity of 10 isolates was experimentally confirmed; nine caused disease in seedlings in multiple families. However, the outcome of infection differs among tree species susceptible to a given multi-host pathogen. Furthermore, some tree species were seemingly resistant to all fungi tested, while others were susceptible to multiple fungi. Tree species adapted to environments with lower disease pressure were most likely to exhibit disease. Our results suggest that generalist pathogens contribute to the maintenance of local and regional forest diversity via host-specific impacts and the exclusion of disease-sensitive trees from disease-prone habitats.

Sympatric divergence of the ergot fungus, Claviceps purpurea, populations infecting agricultural and nonagricultural grasses in North America.

The ergot diseases of agricultural and nonagricultural grasses are caused by the infection of Claviceps spp. (Hypocreales, Ascomycota) on florets, producing dark spur-like sclerotia on spikes that are toxic to humans and animals, leading to detrimental impacts on agriculture and economy due to the downgrading of cereal grains, import-export barriers, reduced yield, and ecological concerns. At least seven phylogenetic lineages (phylogenetic species) were identified within the premolecular concept of C. purpurea s.l. (sensu lato) in agricultural areas and vicinities in Canada and the Western United States. Claviceps purpurea s.s (sensu stricto) remained as the most prevalent species with a wide host range, including cereal crops, native, invasive, and weedy grasses. The knowledge on genetic diversity and distribution of C. purpurea s.s. in North America is lacking. The objective of the present study was to shed light on genetic differentiation and evolution of the natural populations of C. purpurea s.s. Multilocus DNA sequences of samples from Canada and the Western USA were analyzed using a phylogenetic network approach, and population demographic parameters were investigated. Results showed that three distinct genetically subdivided populations exist, and the subdivision is not correlated with geographic or host differentiations. Potential intrinsic mechanisms that might play roles in leading to the cessation of gene flows among the subpopulations, that is, mating and/or vegetative incompatibility, genomic adaptation, were discussed. The neutrality of two house-keeping genes that are widely used for DNA barcoding, that is, translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1-α) and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2), was challenged and discussed.

Whole-Genome Comparisons of Ergot Fungi Reveals the Divergence and Evolution of Species within the Genus Claviceps Are the Result of Varying Mechanisms Driving Genome Evolution and Host Range Expansion.

The genus Claviceps has been known for centuries as an economically important fungal genus for pharmacology and agricultural research. Only recently have researchers begun to unravel the evolutionary history of the genus, with origins in South America and classification of four distinct sections through ecological, morphological, and metabolic features (Claviceps sects. Citrinae, Paspalorum, Pusillae, and Claviceps). The first three sections are additionally characterized by narrow host range, whereas section Claviceps is considered evolutionarily more successful and adaptable as it has the largest host range and biogeographical distribution. However, the reasons for this success and adaptability remain unclear. Our study elucidates factors influencing adaptability by sequencing and annotating 50 Claviceps genomes, representing 21 species, for a comprehensive comparison of genome architecture and plasticity in relation to host range potential. Our results show the trajectory from specialized genomes (sects. Citrinae and Paspalorum) toward adaptive genomes (sects. Pusillae and Claviceps) through colocalization of transposable elements around predicted effectors and a putative loss of repeat-induced point mutation resulting in unconstrained tandem gene duplication coinciding with increased host range potential and speciation. Alterations of genomic architecture and plasticity can substantially influence and shape the evolutionary trajectory of fungal pathogens and their adaptability. Furthermore, our study provides a large increase in available genomic resources to propel future studies of Claviceps in pharmacology and agricultural research, as well as, research into deeper understanding of the evolution of adaptable plant pathogens.

Occurrence in Seeds and Potential Seed Transmission of Xanthomonas vasicola pv. vasculorum in Maize in the United States.

This paper reports original evidence regarding the potential role of seed transmission of Xanthomonas vasicola pv. vasculorum in the epidemiology of bacterial leaf streak (BLS) in maize. We evaluated the occurrence of the pathogen on seeds from diseased fields and its subsequent transmission to seedlings. In 2016 and 2017, X. vasicola pv. vasculorum was detected by TaqMan PCR from 22 of 41 maize seed lots harvested from naturally infected fields in Colorado, Nebraska, and Iowa. However, many of the PCR-positive samples did not yield culturable X. vasicola pv. vasculorum colonies. The highest levels of seed contamination were detected in dent maize and popcorn from NE and CO. Seed transmission was evaluated in greenhouse grow-outs from eight seed lots, totaling more than 14,000 plants. Putative seed transmission events from naturally contaminated seed lots, estimated from PCR results, occurred at a frequency between 0.1 and 0.5% in 10-seedling pooled samples and at a frequency of 2.7% from individual plant assays. However, no seedling symptoms were observed during these assays and live X. vasicola pv. vasculorum colonies were not recovered from PCR-positive seedlings. In contrast, seed transmission was readily demonstrated from artificially contaminated seed lots, including typical symptoms and recovery of live bacteria. Seed transmission consistently occurred from seeds soaked in bacterial suspensions with concentrations of ≥106 CFU/ml, suggesting that a threshold population of the bacterium is necessary for the development of BLS symptoms and recovery of live bacteria. The low bacterial populations on naturally contaminated seeds apparently were not sufficient to result in diseased seedlings.

Ergochromes: Heretofore Neglected Side of Ergot Toxicity.

Ergot, fungal genus Claviceps, are worldwide distributed grass pathogens known for their production of toxic ergot alkaloids (EAs) and the great agricultural impact they have on both cereal crop and farm animal production. EAs are traditionally considered as the only factor responsible for ergot toxicity. Using broad sampling covering 13 ergot species infecting wild or agricultural grasses (including cereals) across Europe, USA, New Zealand, and South Africa we showed that the content of ergochrome pigments were comparable to the content of EAs in sclerotia. While secalonic acids A-C (SAs), the main ergot ergochromes (ECs), are well known toxins, our study is the first to address the question about their contribution to overall ergot toxicity. Based on our and published data, the importance of SAs in acute intoxication seems to be negligible, but the effect of chronic exposure needs to be evaluated. Nevertheless, they have biological activities at doses corresponding to quantities found in natural conditions. Our study highlights the need for a re-evaluation of ergot toxicity mechanisms and further studies of SAs' impact on livestock production and food safety.

The new family Septorioideaceae, within the Botryosphaeriales and Septorioides strobi as a new species associated with needle defoliation of Pinus strobus in the United States.

Recent sampling of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) affected by white pine needle defoliation (WPND) within the northeastern U.S. has found that a putative new species, closely related to Septorioides pini-thunbergii, was the most frequently isolated species. Septorioides pini-thunbergii is currently the only known species of its genus in the family Botryosphaeriaceae and is associated with needle cast of Pinus thunbergii in Japan. This study aims to complete a morphological description of the putative new species and use DNA sequence data of six gene loci (SSU, LSU, ITS, ß-tubulin, EF1, and RPB2) to accurately place the putative new species within the Botryosphaeriales. Morphological comparisons have shown that this putative new species is distinct from S. pini-thunbergii. Comparison of DNA sequence data has further confirmed our morphological findings, indicating the classification of a new species which we describe as Septorioides strobi sp. nov., marking the first report of the genus Septorioides within the U.S. Subsequently, our phylogenetic analysis has further revealed that S. pini-thunbergii and S. strobi do not reside within the Botryosphaereace, but comprise a new family within the order Botryosphaeriales we recognize as Septorioideaceae fam. nov. Taxonomic novelties: New family - Septorioideaceae S. Wyka & K. Broders fam. nov. New species - Septorioides strobi S. Wyka & K. Broders sp. nov.

Two new species of Pythium, P. schmitthenneri and P. selbyi pathogens of corn and soybean in Ohio.

Two new species of Pythium, pathogens of corn and soybean in Ohio, are described. Pythium schmitthenneri sp. nov. and Pythium selbyi sp. nov. both have morphological and sequence characteristics that place them in clade E1 of the genus Pythium. Morphology and sequence analysis of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 regions of these species were different from previously described species. The ITS region of Pythium schmitthenneri was 99.9% similar to P. acrogynum and 99.8% similar to P. hypogynum. All three species are characterized by globose to limoniform sporangia and plerotic oospores. Pythium schmitthenneri has mostly diclinous antheridia, compared to the strictly hypogynous antheridia of P. acrogynum and P. hypogynum. The temperature for growth of P. schmitthenneri is below 4 C to 32 C, and optimum growth is 18-25 C compared to 31-34 C for P. hypogynum. The ITS region of P. selbyi was 97.1% similar to P. longandrum and 97.5% similar to P. longisporangium. All three species are characterized by globose sporangia, mostly plerotic oospores, with one to two oospores per oogonium, and hypogynous or monoclinous antheridia. The temperature for growth of P. selbyi is below 4 to 32 C, with an optimum 18-25 C. These new species were widely dispersed throughout the soybean- and corn-producing regions in Ohio, making their characterization critical for managing the Pythium complex that causes seedling and root-rot disease in Ohio soybean and corn fields.

Pythium delawarii--a new species isolated from soybean in Ohio.

A new species of Pythium isolated from soybean in Ohio is described. Pythium delawarii sp. nov. is characterized by globose internally proliferating sporangia, aplerotic oospores and diclinous antheridia that make broad lengthwise contact. Sporangia produce conspicuous papilla and germinate indirectly by producing zoospores via a vesicle and proliferate internally or the sporangia germinate directly with either one or more germ tubes. Pythium delawarii is pathogenic on soybean causing damping-off of seedlings. This oomycete can grow at 10-34 C with an optimum of 28 C. The sequence of the ITS1, 5.8S and ITS2 region of the rDNA did not match the sequence of any known Pythium species but was similar to P. citrinum, P. litorale and P. sterilum. P. delawarii can be distinguished from these three species based on the presence of aplerotic oospores and diclinous antheridia and the absence of hypogynous antheridia. Therefore biological, morphological and molecular data support the recognition of a new species.