Ophiostomatoid fungi isolated from fallen shoots of Scots pine pruned by Tomicus species in Poland

Abstract

Ophiostomatoid fungi are known to be associated with Tomicus spp. on Pinus sylvestris. However, very little is actually known about the fungi present in the pine shoots damaged by these insects. The aim of this study was to survey species of Ophiostoma s.lato associated with fallen shoots of Scots pine pruned by Tomicus spp. in Poland. The study was conducted in four pure Scots pine stands in southern and south-western part of the country. Fungi were identified based on morphology and DNA sequence comparison for two gene (the ITS rDNA region and ß–tubulin). In total, 64 isolates obtained, represent seven species of ophiostomatoid fungi, including their asexual states of the genera. Two of them, Ophiostoma sp. 1 and Sporothrix sp. 1 probably represent new taxa. All species were found at very low frequencies. Among them, Ophiostoma minus, Ophiostoma sp. 1 and Sporothrix sp. 1 were the most frequently isolated, with a frequency of 2.0%. Occasionally, isolated species included Leptographium piriforme, Ophiostoma canum, Ophiostoma floccosum and Grosmannia cucullata-like. Association of species of Ophiostoma s. lato with Tomicus spp. and the taxonomic status of two new species are discussed.