Evidence for a Hemibiotrophic Association of the Pitch Canker Pathogen Fusarium circinatum with Pinus radiata

Abstract

Fusarium circinatum can be a cause of mortality in pine seedlings but it is also possible for infected seedlings to remain symptomless. The results of this study documented a biotrophic phase in symptomless Pinus radiata seedlings that can persist for at least 52 weeks. A strain of F. circinatum, transformed to express the green fluorescent protein, was observed to grow intercellularly in the root cortex, with no evidence of damage to surrounding cells. Under experimental conditions, shoot symptoms developed only following collar infection, and root deterioration was seen only in plants that first expressed aboveground symptoms. This sequence of events implies that damage to the root system was a secondary consequence of girdling. If so, root symptoms may not reliably detect seedlings infected by F. circinatum. Supplemental mineral nutrition increased the incidence of infection and symptom development in seedlings but some infected plants remained symptomless, precluding the use of this approach to detect infected seedlings. Overall, our findings suggest that the ecological activities of F. circinatum may not be limited to a necrotrophic association with pine trees. A more comprehensive understanding of the life history of this fungus may yield insights that contribute to more effective management of pitch canker.