Abstract

The order Coryneliales includes several fungi such as Corynelia spp. that are pathogenic to trees in the Podocarpaceae. The aim of this study was to assess the spatial pattern and temporal progress of disease caused by Corynelia uberata on Podocarpus falcatus in Ethiopian forests and to evaluate the germination potential of seed retrieved from fruit infected by C.uberata. Corynelia uberata was found on leaves, young stems and/or on fruit of P.falcatus in Ethiopian forests. Spatial analysis in the Adaba-Dodola forest showed that disease intensity of C.uberata was significantly higher in non-WAJIB' blocks (disturbed forest) than WAJIB' blocks (sustainably managed forest) (P<00001). In the temporal disease progress study, a significantly higher incidence and severity of disease on fruit was recorded during the wet season relative to dry season (P<00001). The green milk stage of fruit exhibited significantly higher mean incidence (P<00001) and severity (P<00001) of disease compared to other growth stages of fruit. The disease incidence and severity in general, as well as on different fruit growth stages, were highly correlated (P<00001, R(2)095). Germination rate of seed decreased significantly with an increase in the level of fruit infection by C.uberata (P<00001). Thus, C.uberata can apparently influence germination of seed and may pose a threat to the regeneration of P.falcatus from seeds in Ethiopian forests.

Keywords

Corynelia uberata; disease intensity; Ethiopia; fruit and seed infection; seed germination

Published in

Plant Pathology
2015, Volume: 64, number: 3, pages: 617-626
Publisher: WILEY-BLACKWELL

SLU Authors

• Assefa, Addisu

  • Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • Addis Ababa University
  • Madawalabu University

• Stenlid, Jan

  • Department of Forest Mycology and Plant Pathology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Associated SLU-program

SLU Plant Protection Network


Sustainable Development Goals

SDG15 Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss


UKÄ Subject classification

Ecology


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ppa.12295

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/67436