Global geographic distribution and host range of Fusarium circinatum, the causal agent of pine pitch canker
Drenkhan, Rein; Ganley, Beccy; Martin-Garcia, Jorge; Vahalík, Petr; Adamson, Kalev; Adamcikova, Katarina; Ahumada, Rodrigo; Blank, Lior; Braganca, Helena; Capretti, Paolo; Cleary, Michelle; Cornejo, Carolina; Davydenko, Kateryna; Diez, Julio J.; Dogmus Lehtijarvi, Hatice Tugba; Dvorak, Milon; Enderle, Rasmus; Fourie, Gerda; Georgieva, Margarita; Ghelardini, Luisa; Hantula, Jarkko; Ioos, Renaud; Iturritxa, Eugenia; Kanetis, Loukas; Karpun, Natalia N.; Koltay, Andras; Landeras, Elena; Markovskaja, Svetlana; Mesanza, Nebai; Milenkovic, Ivan; Musolin, Dmitry L.; Nikolaou, Konstantinos; Nowakowska, Justyna A.; Ogris, Nikica; Oskay, Funda; Oszako, Tomasz; Papazova-Anakieva, Irena; Paraschiv, Marius; Pasquali, Matias; Pecori, Francesco; Rafoss, Trond; Raitelaityte, Kristina; Raposo, Rosa; Robin, Cecile; Rodas, Carlos A.; Santini, Alberto; Sanz-Ros, Antonio V.; Selikhovkin, Andrey V.; Solla, Alejandro; Soukainen, Mirkka; Soulioti, Nikoleta; Steenkamp, Emma Theodora; Tsopelas, Panaghiotis; Vemic, Aleksandar; Vettraino, Anna Maria; Wingfield, Michael J.; Woodward, Stephen; Zamora-Ballesteros, Cristina; Mullett, Martin S.
Date:
2020-07-01
Abstract:
Fusarium circinatum, the causal agent of pine pitch canker (PPC), is currently one of the
most important threats of Pinus spp. globally. This pathogen is known in many pine-growing regions,
including natural and planted forests, and can a ect all life stages of trees, from emerging seedlings
to mature trees. Despite the importance of PPC, the global distribution of F. circinatum is poorly
documented, and this problem is also true of the hosts within countries that are a ected. The aim of
this study was to review the global distribution of F. circinatum, with a particular focus on Europe.
We considered (1) the current and historical pathogen records, both positive and negative, based
on confirmed reports from Europe and globally; (2) the genetic diversity and population structure
of the pathogen; (3) the current distribution of PPC in Europe, comparing published models of
predicted disease distribution; and (4) host susceptibility by reviewing literature and generating a
comprehensive list of known hosts for the fungus. These data were collated from 41 countries and
used to compile a specially constructed geo-database. A review of 6297 observation records showed
that F. circinatum and the symptoms it causes on conifers occurred in 14 countries, including four in
Europe, and is absent in 28 countries. Field observations and experimental data from 138 host species
revealed 106 susceptible host species including 85 Pinus species, 6 non-pine tree species and 15 grass
and herb species. Our data confirm that susceptibility to F. circinatum varies between di erent host
species, tree ages and environmental characteristics. Knowledge on the geographic distribution,
host range and the relative susceptibility of di erent hosts is essential for disease management,
mitigation and containment strategies. The findings reported in this review will support countries
that are currently free of F. circinatum in implementing e ective procedures and restrictions and
prevent further spread of the pathogen.
