Molecular tools for lophodermella needle cast management in pine forests in Colorado, USA

Abstract

Needle diseases in conifer stands have increased worldwide due to climate change. In Colorado, USA, Lophodermella needle cast epidemics caused by <i>Lophodermella concolor</i> and <i>L. montivaga</i> affected natural stands of <i>Pinus contorta</i>. Intense severity of needle disease may lead to low growth increments which could impact biomass production and ecosystems goods and services. <i>Lophodermella</i> pathogens are understudied species with limited molecular research that would elucidate phylogenetic relationships, fungal lifestyles, and interactions with host and microbial communities. Scant information about these pathogens could lead to difficulty in formulating efficient strategies to manage emerging needle diseases and in addressing the threat that they might pose in changing environments. This research uses molecular tools to address the relationships and interactions in needle pathosystems. It presents a multi-locus phylogeny showing the relationship of Lophodermella pathogens within Rhytismataceae. Fungal lifestyles and host-pathogen-microbe interactions were also investigated through next generation sequencing of environmental DNA and RNA samples. Molecular data were also used to develop markers for rapid needle pathogen identification. This research recommends further investigations on understudied fungal pathogens in forest ecosystems to address the gaps.

Keywords: Biodiversity conservation, Climate change, Sustainable forest management, Genetic resources

ID: 3486229