Pomegranate Woody Mycobiota Associated with Wood Decay
Author(s)
Date Issued
2025
Type
article
Volume
11
Issue
4
Journal
Abstract
The rapid expansion of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivation in
central and southern Italy has revealed emerging phytosanitary challenges, including
“pomegranate wood decay syndrome”, characterised by cortical cankers, wood browning,
andprogressive plant decline. This study investigates the fungal microbiota associated with
symptomatic pomegranate wood using a combined approach of traditional fungal isolation
and ITS2 metabarcoding analysis. Samples from two orchards in Lazio were examined,
revealing a complex fungal community with a high prevalence of Neofusicoccum parvum
(putative) and species belonging to the genus Diaporthe. Pathogenicity tests confirmed the
role of N. parvum in causing significant wood browning, while other isolates showed vari
able virulence. Statistical analyses validated the pathogenicity of select isolates, with the
putative Diaporthe eres (Nitschke) consistently demonstrating potential pathogenic activity
across all trials. Metabarcoding identified 289 taxa, highlighting a richer fungal diversity in
the symptomatic wood compared to the asymptomatic sections. Notably, Coniella granati,
previously implicated in pomegranate decline, was absent in the studied orchards. The
f
indings reveal that pomegranate wood decay is a complex syndrome driven by fungal
pathogens and environmental stressors, such as low temperatures. This study highlights
the value of integrative approaches for understanding and managing fungal-associated
wooddiseases in pomegranate orchards.
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Name
Bergamaschi melograno e Microbiota 2025.pdf
Description
Articolo Sperimentale
Size
9.34 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
Checksum (MD5)
7325f301a8c4a2ad92e216c65475b777
Project(s)
Biodiversità di piante arboree da frutto