First Report of Shoot Blight of Grapevine Caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Illes Balears, Mallorca, Spain

In 2021, grapevines (Vitis vinifera L.) cv. Callet growing in a commercial vineyard located at Pollença (northeast of the island of Majorca, Spain) showed severe symptoms of shoot blight during spring and early summer, with an incidence of 70%. Symptoms consisted of elongated cankered-like lesions, surrounded by water-soaked darker tissues, that developed at the base or around the middle nodes of the shoot. For fungal isolation, shoot samples with lesions were collected, surface disinfected with 2% NaCl for 90s, rinsed twice with deionized water and placed in Petri plates containing potato dextrose agar (PDA). The plates were incubated at 25°C under 12 h light-darkness for 6 days. Isolations consistently yielded on kind of fungal colonies that produced white mycelium and black spherical to elongated sclerotia (2 to 10 mm in diameter). Morphological characterization was consistent with the description of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary (Bolton et al. 2006). Three isolates (UIB 118-1, UIB 118-26, and UIB 129-41) were preserved and deposited in the Culture Collection of Microbiology-Faculty of Sciences, University of Balearic Islands, Spain. Genomic DNA was extracted from isolates UIB 118-26 and UIB 129-41 using the EZNA Miniprep Kit (Omega Bio-Tek, Norcross, GA). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA, β-tubulin (BTUB) and calmodulin (CAL) gene regions were amplified using ITS1F-ITS4 (Gardes and Bruns, 1996; White et al. 1990), Bt-2a/Bt-2b (Glass and Donaldson 1995) and CAL228F/CAL737R (Carbone and Kohn 1999) primer sets, respectively. Amplicons were sequenced and deposited in GenBank with accession numbers MZ604647 and MZ604648 for ITS, OK634402 and OK634403 for BTUB and OK634404 and OK634405 for CAL. BLASTn search showed that isolates were >99 % (ITS, BTUB and CAL) identical to S. sclerotiorum GenBank accession no. KF859933, CP017815 and KF871381, respectively. Pathogenicity tests were conducted using eight one-year old grapevines cv. Cabernet Sauvignon. Old and new green shoots were inoculated by inserting a 6-mm plug of mycelium taken from actively growing cultures on PDA into cuts made at the base and at the distal part of each shoot with a sterile scalpel with a total of eight inoculation points per plant. Inoculated wounds were sealed with Parafilm tape to avoid rapid dehydration. Inoculated plants and an equal number of wounded but non-inoculated plants (negative controls) were maintained at 25 ± 1°C for 48 h in plastic containers to ensure a high relative humidity (>90%). After 5 days, the infection girdled and rotted the green new shoots, whereas the older partially lignified shoots developed a localized long brown lesion that reached 16 cm in length. Due to the rotting of the basal part of the petiole, leaves turned gray, wilted, and died, easily detaching from the stem. In advanced stages of the disease, 7 days after infection, branches died and fell with the leaves remained attached (Fig 1 A, B). Reisolations from diseased shoots were successfully performed on PDA to fulfill Koch's postulates. S. slerotiorum was previously reported on grapevine causing shoot blight in Chile (Latorre and Guerrero, 2001), Korea (Jong-Han et al. 2009), California-USA (Boland and Hall, 1994) and Australia (Hall et al. 2002). AlsoS. sclerotiorum was reported among the endophytic mycobiota associated with Vitis vinifera in the Iberian Peninsula (Gonzalez and Tello, 2011) but not as a pathogen causing visible symptoms on that crop. So, this is the first report of the occurrence of S. slerotiorum as a pathogen of grapevines in Spain causing symptoms of canker and shoot blight. This finding highlights a potential risk of this fungal disease for the wine industry in the Mediterranean region and specially for Spain, the country with the largest acreage devoted to grapevines. Although chemical and biological are suitable control strategies, disease management is difficult as sclerotia of Sclerotinia can remain in the soil for up to eight years (Adams and Ayears, 1979), and preventive surveys are greatly recommended as an important epidemiological tool to monitor the epidemiology of disease and identify potential outbreaks of this new pathogen on grapevine in Spain.

Genetic Diversity of Lecanosticta acicola in Pinus Ecosystems in Northern Spain

Lecanosticta acicola is one of the most damaging species affecting Pinus radiata plantations in Spain. Favourable climatic conditions and unknown endogenous factors of the pathogen and host led to a situation of high incidence and severity of the disease in these ecosystems. With the main aim of understanding the factors intrinsic to this pathogenic species, a study of the population structure in new established plantations with respect to older plantations was implemented. The genetic diversity, population structure and the ability of the pathogen to spread was determined in Northern Spain (Basque Country), where two thirds of the total Pinus radiata plantations of Spain are located. From a total of 153 Lecanosticta acicola isolates analysed, two lineages were present; the southern lineage, which was prevalent, and the northern lineage, which was scarce. A total of 22 multilocus genotypes were detected with a balanced composition of both mating types and evidence for sexual reproduction. In addition to the changing environmental conditions enhancing disease expression, the complexity and diversity of the pathogen will make it difficult to control and to maintain the wood productive system fundamentally based on this forest species.

Temporal and Spatial Variation in the Population Structure of Spanish Fusarium circinatum Infecting Pine Stands

Fusarium circinatum is an introduced fungal pathogen extended to the northern regions of Spain that causes Pine Pitch Canker (PPC) disease. In this work, we analyzed the pathogen's genetic diversity to study changes over time and space since the first outbreak occurred in Spain. Using six polymorphic SSR markers, 15 MLGs were identified in 66 isolates, and only three haplotypes were found with frequencies higher than one. In general, genotypic diversity was low and decreased shortly over time in the northwestern regions while maintained at País Vasco, where only one haplotype (MLG32) was detected 10 years. This population also included isolates of a single mating type (MAT-2) and VCGs identified in only two groups, while isolates from NW regions were of both mating types and VCGs represented in 11 groups. The existence of haplotype MLG32 maintained on time and widely distributed suggests its good adaptation to the environment and the host. Results showed that the pathogen in País Vasco remains clearly differentiated from other northwestern populations. This fact was supported with no evidence of migration among regions. Results are explained by the asexual reproduction, but also selfing at least to a lesser extent that leads to identification of two new haplotypes.

Comparison of Diplodia Tip Blight Pathogens in Spanish and North American Pine Ecosystems

Diplodia tip blight is the most ubiquitous and abundant disease in Spanish Pinus radiata plantations. The economic losses in forest stands can be very severe because of its abundance in cones and seeds together with the low genetic diversity of the host. Pinus resinosa is not genetically diverse in North America either, and Diplodia shoot blight is a common disease. Disease control may require management designs to be adapted for each region. The genetic diversity of the pathogen could be an indicator of its virulence and spreading capacity. Our objective was to understand the diversity of Diplodia spp. in Spanish plantations and to compare it with the structure of American populations to collaborate in future management guidelines. Genotypic diversity was investigated using microsatellite markers. Eight loci (SS9–SS16) were polymorphic for the 322 isolates genotyped. The results indicate that Diplodia sapinea is the most frequent Diplodia species present in plantations of the north of Spain and has high genetic diversity. The higher genetic diversity recorded in Spain in comparison to previous studies could be influenced by the intensity of the sampling and the evidence about the remarkable influence of the sample type.

Influence of Temperature and Moisture Duration on Pathogenic Life History Traits of Predominant Haplotypes of Fusarium circinatum on Pinus spp. in Spain

Pathogen life history traits influence epidemic development and pathogen adaptive ability to interact with their hosts in different environments. Reduced traits variation may compromise pathogen evolutionary potential, which is particularly important for introduced pathogens. Fusarium circinatum (cause of pine pitch canker) is an invasive fungal pathogen in Europe, with current distribution restricted to forest stands of Pinus radiata and Pinus pinaster in northern Spain and Portugal. This study aimed to quantify pathogenic traits of Spanish isolates of F. circinatum, with two of the strains representing the two dominant haplotypes in the Spanish population. Disease severity was measured on P. radiata, analyzing the influence of temperature and moisture duration on infection as well as the influence of temperature on spore germination, sporulation, and mycelial growth. Results indicated that the isolate representing the most common haplotype caused more severe disease on P. radiata at 25 and 30°C compared with the second most common haplotype but caused less severe disease at 15°C. Spore germination was higher for the most common haplotype, which produced more spores at 20 and 25°C. The isolate showed hyphal melanization at 5°C, which has been associated with survival and may be important because no resting structures have been described for F. circinatum. Our study determined that longer moisture periods during infection result in more severe disease from 7 to 24 h, regardless of the isolate virulence. This is the first study on virulence of the most abundant haplotypes of F. circinatum in Spain as affected by temperatures and moisture.

Relationship Between the Xylem Anatomy of Grapevine Rootstocks and Their Susceptibility to Phaeoacremonium minimum and Phaeomoniella chlamydospora

Fungal grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) are some of the most pressing threats to grape production worldwide. While these diseases are associated with several fungal pathogens, Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium minimum are important contributors to esca and Petri diseases. Recent research has linked grapevine xylem diameter with tolerance to Pa. chlamydospora in commercial rootstocks. In this study, we screen over 25 rootstocks for xylem characteristics and tolerance to both Pa. chlamydospora and Pm. minimum. Tolerance was measured by fungal incidence and DNA concentration (quantified via qPCR), while histological analyses were used to measure xylem characteristics, including xylem vessels diameter, density, and the proportion of the stem surface area covered by xylem vessels. Rootstocks were grouped into different classes based on xylem characteristics to assess the potential association between vasculature traits and pathogen tolerance. Our results revealed significant differences in all the analyzed xylem traits, and also in DNA concentration for both pathogens among the tested rootstocks. They corroborate the link between xylem vessels diameter and tolerance to Pa. chlamydospora. In Pm. minimum, the rootstocks with the widest xylem diameter proved the most susceptible. This relationship between vasculature development and pathogen tolerance has the potential to inform both cultivar choice and future rootstock breeding to reduce the detrimental impact of GTDs worldwide.

Evaluation of Sown Cover Crops and Spontaneous Weed Flora as a Potential Reservoir of Black-Foot Pathogens in Organic Viticulture

Simple Summary

Black-foot is an important grapevine disease caused by a soil-borne fungal pathogens complex, which are collectively known as Cylindrocarpon-like asexual morphs. In organic viticulture, both sown and native cover crop species can act as potential reservoirs of black-foot associated fungi. In our study a wide survey of cover crops grown in organic vineyards was conducted over a diverse range of climatic zones in six different European countries to acquire information about the presence of Cylindrocarpon-like asexual morphs on their roots. Several fungal species associated with black-foot disease were found on some of the cover crops evaluated in all the countries. These results provide valuable information for a reasoned choice of cover crop species, or a species mix, that can be used in organic viticulture. This is particularly important for maximizing their benefits and reducing potential problems in vineyards.

Abstract

(1) Background. An extensive survey of grapevine-sown cover crops and spontaneous weed flora was conducted from 2019 to 2020 in organic vineyards in six European countries (France, Italy, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland). Our main objective was to detect and identify the presence of Cylindrocarpon-like asexual morphs species associated with black-foot disease on their roots. (2) Methods. Fungal isolations from root fragments were performed on culture media. Cylindrocarpon-like asexual morph species were identified by analyzing the DNA sequence data of the histone H3 (his3) gene region. In all, 685 plants belonging to different botanical families and genera were analyzed. Cylindrocarpon-like asexual morphs were recovered from 68 plants (9.9% of the total) and approximately 0.97% of the plated root fragments. (3) Results. Three fungal species (Dactylonectria alcacerensis, Dactylonectria torresensis, Ilyonectria robusta) were identified. Dactylonectria torresensis was the most frequent, and was isolated from many cover crop species in all six countries. A principal component analysis with the vineyard variables showed that seasonal temperatures and organic matter soil content correlated positively with Cylindrocarpon-like asexual morphs incidence. (4) Conclusions. The presence of Cylindrocarpon-like asexual morphs on roots of cover crops suggests that they can potentially act as alternative hosts for long-term survival or to increase inoculum levels in vineyard soils.

Temporal Dispersal Patterns of Phaeomoniella chlamydospora, Causal Agent of Petri Disease and Esca, in Vineyards

Although the fungus Phaeomoniella chlamydospora is the most commonly detected causal agent of Petri disease and esca, two important fungal grapevine trunk diseases, little is known about the dispersal patterns of P. chlamydospora inoculum. In this work, we studied the dispersal of P. chlamydospora airborne inoculum from 2016 to 2018 in two viticultural areas of eastern (Ontinyent) and northern (Logroño) Spain. The vineyards were monitored weekly from November to April using microscope slide traps, and P. chlamydospora was detected and quantified by a specific real-time quantitative (qPCR) method set up in this work. The method was found to be sensitive, and a good correlation was observed between numbers of P. chlamydospora conidia (counted by microscope) and DNA copy numbers (quantified by qPCR). We consistently detected DNA of P. chlamydospora at both locations and in all seasons but in different quantities. In most cases, DNA was first detected in the last half of November, and most of the DNA was detected from December to early April. When rain was used as a predictor of P. chlamydospora DNA detection in traps, false-negative detections were observed, but these involved only 4% of the total. The dispersal pattern of P. chlamydospora DNA over time was best described (R² = 0.765 and concordance correlation coefficient = 0.870) by a Gompertz equation, with time expressed as hydrothermal time (a physiological time accounting for the effects of temperature and rain). This equation could be used to predict periods with a high risk of dispersal of P. chlamydospora.

Droplet Digital PCR Technology for Detection of Ilyonectria liriodendri from Grapevine Environmental Samples

Black-foot disease is one of the most important soilborne diseases affecting planting material in grapevine nurseries and young vineyards. Accurate, early, and specific detection and quantification of black-foot disease causing fungi are essential to alert growers and nurseries to the presence of the pathogens in soil, and to prevent the spread of these pathogens through grapevines using certified pathogen-free planting material and development of resistance. We comparatively assessed the accuracy, efficiency, and specificity of droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and real-time PCR (qPCR) techniques for the detection and quantification of Ilyonectria liriodendri in bulk and rhizosphere soils, as well as grapevine endorhizosphere. Fungal abundance was not affected by soil-plant fractions. Both techniques showed a high degree of correlation across the samples assessed (R² = 0.95) with ddPCR being more sensitive to lower target concentrations. Roots of asymptomatic vines were found to be a microbial niche that is inhabited by black-foot disease fungi.

Evaluation of long-term protection from nursery to vineyard provided by Trichoderma atroviride SC1 against fungal grapevine trunk pathogens

BACKGROUND

Fungal grapevine trunk diseases (GTDs) represent a threat to viticulture, being responsible for important economic losses worldwide. Nursery and vineyard experiments were set up to evaluate the ability of Trichoderma atroviride SC1 to reduce infections of GTD pathogens in grapevine planting material during the propagation process and to assess the long-term protection provided by this biocontrol agent on grapevine plants in young vineyards during two growing seasons.

RESULTS

Reductions of some GTD pathogen incidence and severity were found on grapevine propagation material after nursery application of T. atroviride SC1 during the grafting process, and also after additional T. atroviride SC1 treatments performed during two growing seasons in young vineyards, when compared with untreated plants.

CONCLUSION

Trichoderma atroviride SC1 showed promise to reduce infections caused by some GTD pathogens in nurseries, and also when establishing new vineyards. This biological control agent could possibly be a valuable component in an integrated management approach where various strategies are combined to reduce GTD infections. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Transferability of PCR-based diagnostic protocols: An international collaborative case study assessing protocols targeting the quarantine pine pathogen Fusarium circinatum

Fusarium circinatum is a harmful pathogenic fungus mostly attacking Pinus species and also Pseudotsuga menziesii, causing cankers in trees of all ages, damping-off in seedlings, and mortality in cuttings and mother plants for clonal production. This fungus is listed as a quarantine pest in several parts of the world and the trade of potentially contaminated pine material such as cuttings, seedlings or seeds is restricted in order to prevent its spread to disease-free areas. Inspection of plant material often relies on DNA testing and several conventional or real-time PCR based tests targeting F. circinatum are available in the literature. In this work, an international collaborative study joined 23 partners to assess the transferability and the performance of nine molecular protocols, using a wide panel of DNA from 71 representative strains of F. circinatum and related Fusarium species. Diagnostic sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the nine protocols all reached values >80%, and the diagnostic specificity was the only parameter differing significantly between protocols. The rates of false positives and of false negatives were computed and only the false positive rates differed significantly, ranging from 3.0% to 17.3%. The difference between protocols for some of the performance values were mainly due to cross-reactions with DNA from non-target species, which were either not tested or documented in the original articles. Considering that participating laboratories were free to use their own reagents and equipment, this study demonstrated that the diagnostic protocols for F. circinatum were not easily transferable to end-users. More generally, our results suggest that the use of protocols using conventional or real-time PCR outside their initial development and validation conditions should require careful characterization of the performance data prior to use under modified conditions (i.e. reagents and equipment). Suggestions to improve the transfer are proposed.

The Fungal and Bacterial Rhizosphere Microbiome Associated With Grapevine Rootstock Genotypes in Mature and Young Vineyards

The microbiota colonizing the rhizosphere and the endorhizosphere contribute to plant growth, productivity, carbon sequestration, and phytoremediation. Several studies suggested that different plants types and even genotypes of the same plant species harbor partially different microbiomes. Here, we characterize the rhizosphere bacterial and fungal microbiota across five grapevine rootstock genotypes cultivated in the same soil at two vineyards and sampling dates over 2 years by 16S rRNA gene and ITS high-throughput amplicon sequencing. In addition, we use quantitative PCR (qPCR) approach to measure the relative abundance and dynamic changes of fungal pathogens associated with black-foot disease. The objectives were to (1) unravel the effects of rootstock genotype on microbial communities in the rhizosphere of grapevine and (2) to compare the relative abundances of sequence reads and DNA amount of black-foot disease pathogens. Host genetic control of the microbiome was evident in the rhizosphere of the mature vineyard. Microbiome composition also shifted as year of sampling, and fungal diversity varied with sampling moments. Linear discriminant analysis identified specific bacterial (i.e., Bacillus) and fungal (i.e., Glomus) taxa associated with grapevine rootstocks. Host genotype did not predict any summary metrics of rhizosphere α- and β-diversity in the young vineyard. Regarding black-foot associated pathogens, a significant correlation between sequencing reads and qPCR was observed. In conclusion, grapevine rootstock genotypes in the mature vineyard were associated with different rhizosphere microbiomes. The latter could also have been affected by age of the vineyard, soil properties or field management practices. A more comprehensive study is needed to decipher the cause of the rootstock microbiome selection and the mechanisms by which grapevines are able to shape their associated microbial community. Understanding the vast diversity of bacteria and fungi in the rhizosphere and the interactions between microbiota and grapevine will facilitate the development of future strategies for grapevine protection.

Characterization of Mycosphaerellaceae species associated with citrus greasy spot in Panama and Spain

Greasy spot of citrus, caused by Zasmidium citri-griseum (= Mycosphaerella citri), is widely distributed in the Caribbean Basin, inducing leaf spots, premature defoliation, and yield loss. Greasy spot-like symptoms were frequently observed in humid citrus-growing regions in Panama as well as in semi-arid areas in Spain, but disease aetiology was unknown. Citrus-growing areas in Panama and Spain were surveyed and isolates of Mycosphaerellaceae were obtained from citrus greasy spot lesions. A selection of isolates from Panama (n = 22) and Spain (n = 16) was assembled based on their geographical origin, citrus species, and affected tissue. The isolates were characterized based on multi-locus DNA (ITS and EF-1α) sequence analyses, morphology, growth at different temperatures, and independent pathogenicity tests on the citrus species most affected in each country. Reference isolates and sequences were also included in the analysis. Isolates from Panama were identified as Z. citri-griseum complex, and others from Spain attributed to Amycosphaerella africana. Isolates of the Z. citri-griseum complex had a significantly higher optimal growth temperature (26.8°C) than those of A. africana (19.3°C), which corresponded well with their actual biogeographical range. The isolates of the Z. citri-griseum complex from Panama induced typical greasy spot symptoms in 'Valencia' sweet orange plants and the inoculated fungi were reisolated. No symptoms were observed in plants of the 'Ortanique' tangor inoculated with A. africana. These results demonstrate the presence of citrus greasy spot, caused by Z. citri-griseum complex, in Panama whereas A. africana was associated with greasy spot-like symptoms in Spain.

First Report of Calosphaeria pulchella Causing Canker and Branch Dieback of Sweet Cherry Trees in Spain

In autumn 2012, severe branch cankers and diebacks of sweet cherry trees (Prunus avium L.) were observed in orchards located in two different growing areas in Alicante Province (eastern Spain). In affected trees, leaves become dried without defoliation. Sectorial wood necrosis was also observed, occasionally associated with swollen bark and gum exudates. Isolations were made from diseased branches by surface-disinfecting small fragments of symptomatic tissue in 0.5% NaOCl, double-rinsing in sterile water, and plating them onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) amended with 0.5 g liter^-1 of streptomycin sulfate. Plates were incubated at 25°C in the dark for 10 days, and all colonies were transferred to PDA. Pink to red colonies with white margins were consistently isolated. All isolates produced hyaline, allantoid to oblong-ellipsoidal conidia, 4 to 6 × 1.5 to 2 μm. The fungus was identified as Calosphaeria pulchella (Pers.: Fr.) J. Schröt (anamorph Calosphaeriophora pulchella Réblová, L. Mostert, W. Gams & Crous) based on morphology (1). Identification of C. pulchella isolates was confirmed by sequence comparison in GenBank database using the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) of the rDNA. Sequences showed 100% identity and 100% query coverage with C. pulchella reference isolate CBS 115999 (EU367451) (2). The ITS sequence of one of the isolates obtained in this study was deposited into GenBank (KJ396346). Two-year-old sweet cherry trees cv. Burlat were inoculated with two representative C. pulchella isolates from different orchards (1701 and 1702). A 5-mm cork borer was used to remove bark, and an agar plug from the growing margin of 20-day-old colonies was placed directly into the fresh wound, mycelium side down. Five trees were inoculated per isolate (five branches per tree) and 25 control branches were inoculated with non-colonized agar plugs. Inoculated tissue was covered with Vaseline and Parafilm to avoid the loss of water. Branches were taken to the laboratory 9 months after inoculation and thoroughly examined for canker development. The length of vascular discoloration was evaluated in each branch and resulting data were statistically analyzed. Length of vascular discoloration on the inoculated branches (6.6 ± 0.7) was significantly longer than in control plants (2.3 ± 0.3) at P < 0.001. Perithecia were neither observed on the artificially inoculated branches nor in the diseased sweet cherry trees from the sampled orchards. C. pulchella was re-isolated from the inoculated branches and no fungi were isolated from discolored tissue of the controls, confirming Koch's postulates. Canker of sweet cherry caused by C. pulchella is responsible for reducing yields and tree longevity in California and South Australia (3). Cultivated area of sweet cherry in Spain is around 25,000 ha. Hence, the potential economic loss from this pathogen could be substantial if left unchecked. To our knowledge, this is the first report of C. pulchella as a pathogen of sweet cherry trees in Spain. References: (1) M. E. Barr. Mycologia 77:549, 1985. (2) U. Damm et al. Persoonia 20:39, 2008. (3) F. P. Trouillas et al. Plant Dis. 96:648, 2012.

Complex molecular relationship between vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) in Verticillium dahliae: VCGs do not always align with clonal lineages

Verticillium wilts caused by the soilborne fungus Verticillium dahliae are among the most challenging diseases to control. Populations of this pathogen have been traditionally studied by means of vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) under the assumption that VCGs comprise genetically related isolates that correlate with clonal lineages. We aimed to resolve the phylogenetic relationships among VCGs and their subgroups based on sequences of the intergenic spacer region (IGS) of the ribosomal DNA and six anonymous polymorphic sequences containing single-nucleotide polymorphisms (VdSNPs). A collection of 68 V. dahliae isolates representing the main VCGs and subgroups (VCGs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 3, 4A, 4B, and 6) from different geographic origins and hosts was analyzed using the seven DNA regions. Maximum parsimony (MP) phylogenies inferred from IGS and VdSNP sequences showed five and six distinct clades, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses of individual and combined data sets indicated that certain VCG subgroups (e.g., VCGs 1A and 1B) are closely related and share a common ancestor; however, other subgroups (e.g., VCG 4B) are more closely related to members of a different VCG (e.g., VCG 2A) than to subgroups of the same VCG (VCG 4B). Furthermore, MP analyses indicated that VCG 2B is polyphyletic, with isolates placed in at least three distinct phylogenetic lineages based on IGS sequences and two lineages based on VdSNP sequences. Results from our study suggest the existence of main VCG lineages that contain VCGs 1A and 1B; VCGs 2A and 4B; and VCG 4A, for which both phylogenies agree; and the existence of other VCGs or VCG subgroups that seem to be genetically heterogeneous or show discrepancies in their phylogenetic placement: VCG 2B, VCG 3, and VCG 6. These results raise important caveats regarding the interpretation of VCG analyses: genetic homogeneity and close evolutionary relationship between members of a VCG should not be assumed.

First Report of Alternaria Black Spot of Pomegranate Caused by Alternaria alternata in Spain

Since 2010, a new foliar and fruit disease was observed in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) orchards in Alicante Province (eastern Spain). Symptoms included black spots on leaves and fruits, as well as chlorosis and premature abscission of leaves. Fungal isolates were obtained by surface-disinfecting small fragments of symptomatic leaf and fruit tissues in 0.5% NaOCl, double-rinsing in sterile water, and plating them onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) amended with 0.5 g/liter of streptomycin sulfate. Gray-to-black colonies were obtained, which were identified as Alternaria sp. based on the dark, brown, obclavate to obpyriform catenulate conidia with longitudinal and transverse septa tapering to a prominent beak attached in chains on a simple and short conidiophore (4). Conidia (n = 100) measured (12.2-) 20.2 (-27.6) × (5.7-) 9.2 (-12.0) μm, and had 3 to 6 transverse and 0 to 5 longitudinal septa. Single spore cultures were obtained and their genomic DNA was extracted. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA and partial sequences of the beta tubulin gene were amplified and sequenced with primers ITS1-ITS4 and Bt1a-Bt1b, respectively (3). BLAST analysis of the sequences showed that they were 100% identical to a pathogenic A. alternata (Fr.) Keissl. isolate obtained from black spot disease of pomegranate in Israel (Accession No. JN247826.1, ITS and Accession No. JN247836.1, beta tubulin) (2). As all the sequences obtained showed 100% homology, ITS and beta tubulin sequences of a representative isolate (1516B) were submitted to GenBank (KF199871 and KF199872, respectively). In addition, a PCR reaction with specific primers (C_for/C_rev) designed to recognize highly virulent isolates of A. alternata causing black spot of pomegranate was used with all isolates (2). A characteristic fragment of ~950 bp was amplified in two isolates: 1552B and 1707B. Pathogenicity was assessed on plants and detached fruit of pomegranate cv. Mollar (1). Two-year-old pomegranate trees were inoculated with isolates 1552B and 1707B by spraying a conidial suspension (10⁶ conidia/ml) onto the upper and lower leaf surfaces. Five plants per fungal isolate were used and five control plants were sprayed with sterile water. Plants were covered with transparent plastic bags and incubated in a growth chamber for 1 month at 25°C, with a 12-h photoperiod. One-month-old fruits were surface sterilized in 1.5% sodium hypochlorite solution for 1 min and rinsed twice in water. Two filter paper squares (5 × 5 mm) were dipped in the conidial suspensions and placed on the fruit surface. Inoculated fruit were incubated in a humid chamber in the dark at 25°C. Ten fruit per fungal isolate were used and 10 control fruit were inoculated with sterile water. Black spots were visible on inoculated leaves and fruit, 10 and 3 days after inoculation, respectively. Symptoms were not observed on controls. The fungus was re-isolated from leaf and fruit lesions, confirming Koch's postulates. Leaf black spot of pomegranate caused by A. alternata was first described in India in 1988, and later in Israel in 2010 affecting both fruit and leaves (1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of the disease in Spain, where it could represent a threat for pomegranate cultivation due to the increasing amount of area dedicated to this crop. References: (1) D. Ezra et al. Australas. Plant Dis. Notes 5:1, 2010. (2) T. Gat et al. Plant Dis. 96:1513, 2012. (3) N. L. Glass and G. C. Donaldson. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 61:1323, 1995. (4) E. G. Simmons. Alternaria: An identification manual. CBS Fungal Biodiversity Center, Utrecht, Netherlands, 2007.

Evidence for multiple introductions and clonality in Spanish populations of Fusarium circinatum

Fusarium circinatum is thought to have been moved around the world with pine planting stock consisting, most probably, of infected seed. In this effort, we investigate the genetic structure of F. circinatum in Spain and globally. In total, 223 isolates were studied from five regions in northern Spain and eight countries. Eight microsatellite markers revealed 66 multilocus genotypes (MLGs). Minimum spanning network analysis of MLGs by region within Spain as well as globally, discriminant analysis of principal components, and analysis of molecular variance revealed that Spanish populations are significantly differentiated and structured into two distinct groups, each one including one of the dominant genotypes observed. This result suggests that two independent introductions occurred into Spain that subsequently underwent clonal divergence and admixture. This result is further supported by the linkage disequilibrium and clonality observed for F. circinatum populations in northern Spain. The maintenance of differentiation between the clusters could result from the lack of or rare sexual reproduction in Spain. Possible introduction pathways from other countries and subsequent routes of dispersion of F. circinatum in Spain are discussed.

First Report of Sirosporium celtidis Causing a Foliar Disease of European Hackberry in Spain

Hackberry (Celtis australis L.) is widely used for reforestation and as shade tree in parks and roadside plantings in southern Europe (4). In autumn 2011, a foliar disease was observed affecting several trees planted in a garden area located in Alzira (Valencia province, eastern Spain). Symptoms appeared on lower leaf surfaces as reddish to dark brown velvety irregular spots, later becoming grayish brown on the upper surface. Most of the infected trees were prematurely defoliated. Spots on lower leaf surfaces were covered by mycelium, conidiophores, and conidia. Fungal isolates were recovered directly from the structures present on the lesions and by surface-disinfecting small fragments of symptomatic leaf tissue in 0.5% NaOCl, double-rinsing the sections in sterile water, and plating the sections onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) amended with 0.5 g of streptomycin sulfate per liter. Single conidium cultures made onto PDA were maintained for 2 months at 25°C in darkness for morphological examination. Conidia were thick walled, dark reddish brown, often markedly curved or coiled, cylindrical to obclavate, smooth, wrinkled, or verrucose, typically multicellular, 2 to 40 transversely septate and occasionally with 1 to 3 longitudinal or oblique septa that were often constricted, 20 to 96 (44.9) × 6 to 9 (7.1) μm, with an inconspicuous scar at the base. Morphological characters corresponded to the description of Sirosporium celtidis (Biv. ex Spreng) M. B. Ellis published in 1963 (3). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rDNA was amplified with the primers ITS1 and ITS4 from DNA extracted from the isolate AL1, and sequenced (GenBank Accession No. JX397963). The sequence was identical to that obtained from an isolate of S. celtidis from the Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures, Utrecht, The Netherlands (CBS 289.50). Pathogenicity tests were conducted on five 2-year-old hackberry trees by spraying onto the upper and lower leaf surfaces a conidial suspension of S. celtidis (approximately 50 ml/plant, 10⁶ conidia/ml of water). Five control plants were sprayed with sterile water. Plants were covered with clear plastic bags and incubated in a growth chamber for 72 h at 25°C with a 12-h photoperiod. First leaf spots were visible on inoculated plants after 7 days, but symptoms were not observed on control plants. The fungus was reisolated from leaf lesions on inoculated plants, confirming Koch's postulates. S. celtidis was first described in Sicily in 1815 (3) and has been recorded on various hackberry species in Mediterranean countries and the USA (1,2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of the disease in Spain. The economic and ecological significance of the pathogen in natural ecosystems in Spain remains to be determined but it could certainly become a serious problem for nurseries and urban plantings. References: (1) S.O. Cacciola. 2000. Plant Dis. 84, 492. (2) D. H. Linder. 1931. Ann. Mo. Bot. Garden 18, 31. (3) M. B. Ellis. 1963. Mycological Papers, No. 87. Commonw. Mycol. Inst. Kew, England. (4) S. Pauleit et al., Urban For. Urban Green. 1:83, 2002.

Verticillium Wilt: A Threat to Artichoke Production

Verticillium wilt is becoming an increasing concern in artichoke production because the rapid spread of the disease to new growing areas has led to declining production. Scientists from Italy, Spain, and the United States combine to bring us up to date on diagnosis of the disease, its epidemiology and life cycle, as well as management strategies, current and forthcoming.

First Report of Fusarium Wilt Caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. basilici on Ocimum minimum in Portugal

Ocimum minimum L. (fine-leaved basil) is cultivated along the Douro Litoral Region in Portugal. In June 2009, a disease was observed in fine-leaved basil fields in three geographically separated locations: Maia, Rio Tinto, and São Mamede Infesta. Affected plants showed wilt symptoms, chlorotic leaves, and stem necrosis. Discolored vascular tissue was observed when the stems were cut longitudinally. For isolation, crown and stem sections (10 cm long) were surface disinfected for 1 min in 1.5% NaOCl and washed twice with sterile distilled water. The sections were cut longitudinally and small pieces of discolored vascular tissue were plated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) amended with streptomycin sulfate (0.5 g liter^-1). Plates were incubated at 25°C in the dark. Fusarium colonies were consistently isolated from symptomatic plants sampled from the three different locations and transferred to PDA and Spezieller Nährstoffarmer agar (SNA) culture media for morphological species identification (2). After 10 days of incubation at 25°C, all isolates were identified as F. oxysporum. A PCR-based assay was conducted with nine single-spored isolates (F2, F3, F4, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, and F13) using the F. oxysporum f. sp. basilici specific primer pair, Bik 1 and Bik 2 (1). A single DNA fragment of 382 bp was amplified in all isolates, which confirmed the identification of F. oxysporum f. sp. basilici. Pathogenicity of all nine isolates was determined on 2-month-old fine-leaved basil seedlings growing in sterile peat moss. Plants were inoculated by watering the roots with 20 ml of a conidial suspension (10⁶ conidia ml^-1) harvested from 3-week-old cultures grown on PDA. Thirty-six replicates (each one in individual pots) for each isolate were used, with an equal number of control plants. Plants were maintained in a greenhouse at 15 to 20°C. Within 2 weeks of inoculation, all inoculated plants wilted and exhibited severe leaf and stem necrosis. The fungus was reisolated from vascular tissues of the crown area and the stems of symptomatic seedlings, fulfilling Koch's postulates. Control plants remained healthy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of F. oxysporum f. sp. basilici infecting fine-leaved basil in Portugal. References: (1) A. Chiocchetti et al. Plant Dis. 85:607, 2001. (2) J. F. Leslie et al. The Fusarium Laboratory Manual. Blackwell Publishing, Ames, IA, 2006.

Outbreak of a New Phytophthora sp. Associated with Severe Decline of Almond Trees in Eastern Spain

Since 2007, a decline of young almond trees (Prunus dulcis) has been observed in different field-grown nurseries in Valencia (east-central Spain). Early symptoms in affected trees included chlorosis, wilting, cankers, and profuse stem gumming. A Phytophthora sp. was consistently isolated from cankers, roots, and soil of affected trees. It was a heterothallic species with amphigynous and/or paragynous antheridia, and its morphological features did not conform to any of the described Phytophthora species. Pathogenicity was proved by artificial inoculation, completing Koch's postulates. All isolates were sensitive to the phenylamide fungicides metalaxyl and mefenoxam. Amplification and sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, translation elongation factor 1 alpha gene (EF-1α), the β-tubulin (β-tub) gene, and the region containing the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene fragment identified the species as Phytophthora taxon "niederhauserii", and phylogenetic analyses placed it in Phytophthora Clade 7b.

Genetic Diversity and Host Range of Verticillium dahliae Isolates from Artichoke and Other Vegetable Crops in Spain

Artichoke is severely affected by Verticillium wilt, caused by Verticillium dahliae, in eastern-central Spain, which is one of the most important vegetable-cropping areas in the country. To determine genetic and virulence variability in local populations of V. dahliae, 18 isolates collected from artichoke and other vegetable species cultivated in eastern-central Spain were selected to represent local vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs). Diversity in the isolates was characterized by molecular markers and virulence in 12 important hosts for that region. Recently developed microsatellite markers (simple-sequence repeats) and polymorphic sequences were used to assess the genetic variation among those isolates to reveal any association occurring among host source, VCG, and virulence. Although all isolates caused severe disease symptoms on artichoke, cardoon, eggplant, and watermelon, those from artichoke had a limited host range and isolates from watermelon, muskmelon, and eggplant were not pathogenic to some of the hosts tested. VCG diversity was related to differential virulence in certain hosts.

First Report of Circular Leaf Spot of Persimmon Caused by Mycosphaerella nawae in Spain

Production of persimmon (Diospyros kaki L. f.) has increased significantly during the last decade in Spain as a profitable alternative for fruit growers. In August 2008, after a mild and rainy spring, symptoms of a new disease were observed in commercial persimmon fields located in Valencia Province (eastern-central Spain). Symptoms included circular necrotic spots on the leaves and defoliation. Early fruit maturation and premature abscission were associated with early symptom development in the trees. A fungus was consistently isolated from the margins of leaf lesions. All isolates obtained were hyphal-tipped twice and transferred to potato dextrose agar (PDA). The cultures grew slowly and reached a diameter of 21 to 29 (mean 26) mm within 4 weeks on PDA at 25°C in the dark. Mycelium was initially dark green and ultimately became dark gray to black. Several media and incubation conditions were tested to induce sporulation, but conidia formation was not observed. In April 2009, mature spherical pseudothecia were observed in lesions on fallen leaves that had remained in affected fields during the winter. Ascospores were uniseptate and mostly spindle shaped, 10 to 11.5 (mean 10.3) μm long, and 3 to 3.9 (mean 3.4) μm wide. Fungal colonies obtained from the ascospores were identical to those isolated from the leaf lesions. Morphological characters observed matched those described for the pathogen Mycosphaerella nawae Hiura & Ikata (1). In Korea, the circular leaf spot of persimmon caused by M. nawae was considered an economically important disease in the 1990s, especially in the southern regions (2). Sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rDNA were obtained for isolates MY2 and MY3 and deposited in GenBank (Accession Nos. GQ465767 and GQ465768). These sequences were identical to each other and to the sequence obtained from a Korean isolate of M. nawae. Symptoms of the disease were reproduced after inoculation of 2-year-old persimmon trees growing in individual pots. A ground mycelial suspension (5 × 10⁵ CFU ml^-1) of strain MY2 was sprayed onto 20 potted trees (200 ml per individual tree) in late May of 2009. Ten trees were sprayed with sterile distilled water as a control. Trees were incubated at 20°C in a growth chamber with a 12-h photoperiod and covered with a semitransparent plastic hood for the first 10 days after inoculation, after which the plastic was punctured for ventilation and trees were incubated at 22°C. The first symptoms (small circular spots on the leaves) appeared on inoculated trees 15 days after inoculation. One month after inoculation, all inoculated trees showed circular leaf spots and severe defoliation, whereas noninoculated trees remained healthy. M. nawae was successfully reisolated from the lesions. To our knowledge, this is the first report of M. nawae causing circular leaf spot of persimmon in Spain. References: (1) J. H. Kwon et al. Plant Dis. Agric. 1:18, 1995. (2) J. H. Kwon et al. Korean J. Plant Pathol. 14:397, 1998.

First Report of Verticillium Wilt of Faba Bean Caused by Verticillium dahliae in Spain

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) crops in eastern-central Spain are usually grown in rotation or double cropped with artichoke (Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus (L.) Fiori). In this region, artichoke is grown annually and is severely affected by Verticillium dahliae Kleb. (1). During February of 2007, wilt symptoms were observed at harvesting time on faba bean fields located in Castellón Province (eastern-central Spain). Symptoms consisted of leaf yellowing, wilting, and gradual death of the leaves while stems generally remained green except for severely affected plants. The vascular tissue in the stems showed a tan-to-light brown discoloration and plants were stunted. For isolation, crown and stem sections (10 cm long) were surface disinfected for 1 min in 1.5% NaOCl and washed twice with sterile distilled water. The sections were cut longitudinally and small pieces of discolored vascular tissue were plated onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) amended with streptomycin sulfate (0.5 g liter^-1). Plates were incubated at 25°C in the dark. V. dahliae was consistently isolated and colonies transferred to PDA were identified on the basis of the presence of microsclerotia and conidiophore morphology. Identity of monoconidial isolates 3H, 4H, 7H, and 8H was confirmed by specific multiplex nested-PCR assays using primers NDf/NDr in the first PCR round and INTND2f/INTND3r/MCR2B in the second round (2). PCR markers amplified with these primers were originally developed for the detection and vegetative compatibility group (VCG) identification of V. dahliae isolates infecting artichoke plants. Isolates 3H, 4H, 7H, and 8H amplified the 688-bp and the 964-bp markers indicating that they belong to VCG2B. Recent studies identified VCG2B as the prevalent group in the population of V. dahliae affecting artichoke in Castellón Province (3). Pathogenicity of two selected isolates, 3H and 7H, was determined on faba bean (cv. Muchamiel) and artichoke seedlings (cv. Madrigal) at the two-true-leaf stage. Seedlings were inoculated by watering the roots with 25 ml of a conidial suspension (10⁶ conidia ml^-1) harvested from 3-week-old cultures grown on PDA. Ten replicates (each one in individual pots) for each isolate and plant species were used, with an equal number of control plants. Plants were maintained in a greenhouse at 23 to 25°C. Within 1 month of inoculation, symptoms developed on all inoculated plants as severe stunting, leaf necrosis, and wilting. The fungus was reisolated from vascular tissues of the crown area and the stems of inoculated seedlings, completing Koch's postulates. Symptoms were not visible in the control seedlings and V. dahliae was not isolated from them. To our knowledge, this is the first report of V. dahliae infecting faba bean in Spain. Verticillium wilt had been previously reported on V. faba in Greece (4). Verticillium wilt of faba bean may bear importance in the epidemiology of the disease in artichoke as an alternative host for inoculum increase and survival of V. dahliae under field conditions. References: (1) M. Berbegal et al. Plant Dis. 91:1131, 2007. (2) M. Collado-Romero et al. Online publication. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3059.2008.01981.x. Plant Pathol., 2008. (3) R. M. Jiménez-Díaz et al. Phytopathology 96:288, 2006. (4) E. K. Ligoxigakis and D. J. Vakalounakis. Plant Pathol. 43:755, 1994.

Effect of Cauliflower Residue Amendments and Soil Solarization on Verticillium Wilt Control in Artichoke

The effect of fresh cauliflower residue amendment alone and with a low dose of metham sodium (MS) combined with soil solarization was investigated for the control of Verticillium wilt of artichoke in two commercial fields under artichoke-cauliflower rotation. Treatments were a factorial combination of three main plots (an unamended control, soil amended with cauliflower residue, and a combination of cauliflower residue and a low dose of MS) and two subplots (application of a plastic cover or uncovered). Inoculum densities of Verticillium dahliae were measured before and after soil treatments as well as disease incidence, symptom severity, and yield. Although soil solarization reduced inoculum of V. dahliae and the incidence of Verticillium wilt of artichoke, no added benefit was obtained when solarization was used with cauliflower residue amendments. In addition to toxic volatile compounds, other mechanisms could be involved in disease suppression because the effects of incorporating cauliflower residue were not enhanced by the plastic covering. The effect of cauliflower residues on populations of V. dahliae microsclerotia in soil was inconsistent, possibly due to varying pretreatment inoculum levels. Treatments with cauliflower residue amendments and low doses of MS maintained low inoculum densities in the fields until the end of the growing season and significantly reduced the percentage of infected plants.

Inoculum Density-Disease Development Relationship in Verticillium Wilt of Artichoke Caused by Verticillium dahliae

The relationship between inoculum density of Verticillium dahliae in soil and disease development was studied in 10 commercial artichoke fields. Inoculum density of V. dahliae varied between 2.2 and 34.2 microsclerotia (ms) g^-1 of soil near planting. Artichoke plants were monitored for disease at the beginning and the end of each growing season. There was a significant correlation, which was best described by negative exponential models, between inoculum density and disease incidence, symptom severity, and recovery of the pathogen from the plants. Inoculum densities ranging from 5 to 9 ms g^-1 of soil were associated with a mean percentage of infected plants of about 50%. Additionally, three fields were monitored in two consecutive growing seasons to evaluate the population dynamics of V. dahliae microsclerotia in soil and disease development. Numbers of microsclerotia per gram of soil decreased significantly by the end of the first growing season but slightly increased at the end of the second growing season. In these fields, symptom severity was greatest during the second growing season when high percentages of infected plants also were recorded.

Characterization of Fusarium circinatum from Pinus spp. in northern Spain

Pitch canker caused by Fusarium circinatum was recently reported on Pinus spp. in Spain. In this study, a collection of 157 isolates of F. circinatum obtained from different geographical origins and hosts in northern Spain were identified and characterized by cultural and morphological features, PCR-RFLPs of the histone H3 gene, IGS region, and the translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene (TEF). Mating types were determined by multiplex PCR and sexual compatibility was performed under laboratory conditions. Both mating types were present in Spain and were able to form the teleomorph Gibberella circinata. Morphological differences between mating types, not previously reported, were observed: MAT-1 isolates showed clear, coiled, sterile hyphae characteristic of F. circinatum, whereas MAT-2 isolates presented sterile hyphae but not coiled. Virulence of representative isolates was tested on seven to eight-month-old P. nigra, P. pinaster and P. sylvestris seedlings. All isolates tested were pathogenic to these pine species, MAT-1 isolates being more virulent than MAT-2 isolates.

Outbreak of Pitch Canker Caused by Fusarium circinatum on Pinus spp. in Northern Spain

During the winter of 2003-2004, dieback symptoms were observed on Pinus radiata and P. pinaster in pine nurseries in Asturias (northern Spain). Small groups of affected seedlings appeared randomly distributed throughout the nurseries. The seedlings died rapidly, showing basal needle dieback, stem lesions, resin exudations, and wilting. Isolations from infected material onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) supplemented with 0.5 mg/ml of streptomycin sulfate and Komada's medium consistently yielded Fusarium sp. cultures. The isolates were transferred to PDA and Spezieller Nährstoffarmer agar and incubated at 25°C for 10 days with a 12-h photoperiod. The cultures were identified as Fusarium circinatum Nirenberg & O'Donnell (= Fusarium subglutinans Wollenweb. & Reinking), causal agent of pitch canker disease, on basis of the presence of polyphialides and characteristic sterile, coiled, hyphae (2). To further confirm their identity, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) based on histone H3 gene sequences (4) and a test based on the F. circinatum-specific primers, CIRC1A-CIRC4A, which amplifies a 360-bp DNA fragment of the intergenic spacer region of the nuclear ribosomal operon (3), were used. Results obtained with both techniques confirmed the morphological identification of the cultures. A representative culture has been placed in the Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures (CBS 117843). The pathogen was isolated only from seedlings of P. radiata and P. pinaster. Other species such as P. nigra, P. sylvestris, and Pseudotsuga menziesii, which were also grown in these nurseries, did not show symptoms. Pathogenicity was confirmed by inoculating 6- to 9-month-old P. radiata and P. pinaster seedlings. Small strips of bark (10 × 1 mm) were cut from the stems and similar sized pieces of PDA colonized by F. circinatum were placed in contact with the open wounds and covered with parafilm. Basal needle dieback was observed 10 days after inoculation that resulted in wilting of the seedlings. F. circinatum was reisolated from the affected stems fulfilling Koch's postulates. Later in the year, symptoms of pitch canker were also observed on 20-year-old P. radiata in one forest plantation in Cantabria (northern Spain). Infected branches and shoots of the trees exudated abundant resin, resulting in resinous cankers. The needles, distal to branch tip infections, wilt, fade to yellow then red, and fall from the tree. Affected trees showed noticeable crown dieback. The isolations from the cankers also yielded F. circinatum cultures that were identified as described above. Although a nonrefereed report appeared in 1998 (1), to our knowledge, this is the first report of F. circinatum on P. radiata and P. pinaster in Spain and in Europe. References: (1) L. D. Dwinell et al. Int. Congr. Plant Pathol. 7th. 3:9, 1998. (2) H. I. Nirenberg and K. O'Donnell. Mycologia 90:434, 1998. (3) W. Schweigkofler et al. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 70:3512, 2004. (4) E. T. Steenkamp et al. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 65:3401, 1999.