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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Spatial genetic structure and dispersal of the cacao pathogen Moniliophthora perniciosa in the Brazilian Amazon

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Author(s):
Artero, A. S. ; Silva, J. Q. ; Albuquerque, P. S. B. ; Bressan, E. A. ; Leal, Jr., G. A. ; Sebbenn, A. M. ; Griffith, G. W. ; Figueira, A.
Total Authors: 8
Document type: Journal article
Source: PLANT PATHOLOGY; v. 66, n. 6, p. 912-923, AUG 2017.
Web of Science Citations: 2
Abstract

Moniliophthora perniciosa is the causal agent of witches' broom in Theobroma cacao (cacao). Three biotypes of M.perniciosa are recognized, differing in host specificity, with two causing symptoms on cacao or Solanaceae species (C- and S-biotypes), and the third found growing endophytically on lianas (L-biotype). The objectives of this study were to clarify the genetic relationship between the three biotypes, and to identify those regions in the Brazilian Amazon with the greatest genetic diversity for the C-biotype. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on the rRNA ITS regions showed that the C- and S-biotypes formed a well-supported clade separated from the L-biotype. Analysis of 131 isolates genotyped at 11 microsatellite loci found that S- and especially L-biotypes showed a higher genetic diversity. A significant spatial genetic structure was detected for the C-biotype populations in Amazonia for up to 137km, suggesting isolation by distance' mode of dispersal. However, in regions containing extensive cacao plantings, C-biotype populations were essentially clonal', as evidenced by high frequency of repeated multilocus genotypes. Among the Amazonian C-biotype populations, Acre and West Amazon displayed the largest genotypic diversity and might be part of the centre of diversity of the fungus. The pathogen dispersal may have followed the direction of river flow downstream from Acre, Rondonia and West Amazon eastward to the rest of the Amazon valley, where cacao is not endemic. The Bahia population exhibited the lowest genotypic diversity, but high allele richness, suggesting multiple invasions, with origin assigned to Rondonia and West Amazon, possibly through isolates from the Lower Amazon population. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 07/07175-0 - Genetic analysis of Theobroma cacao defense response against Moniliophthora perniciosa, the causal agent of witches broom
Grantee:Antonio Vargas de Oliveira Figueira
Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants