Microdiplodia sp. AK1800 was isolated in culture from the surface-sterilized, senescent leaf of Picea glauca (Pinaceae) near Nome, AK as part of a study examining endophytic fungal communities across North America (U’Ren et al., 2012; U'Ren and Arnold, 2016). We identified this isolate as an unidentified species of Microdiplodia (Pezizomycotina, Dothideomycetes, Botryosphaeriales, Botryosphaeriaceae) using ITS-partial LSU rDNA sequencing. Species of Botryosphaeriaceae are common pathogens of woody plants whose lifecycle encompasses as a latent endophytic phase prior to emergence of disease (Slippers and Wingfield, 2007). Comparative analyses of AK1800 will provide an important framework for understanding the evolution of ecological modes, substrate use, and plant cell wall degradation in the Botryosphaeriaceae.
References:
Slippers, B. and M. Wingfield. 2007. Botryosphaeriaceae as endophytes and latent pathogens of woody plants: diversity, ecology and impact. Fungal Biology Reviews. 21: 90–106.
U’Ren, J. M., F. Lutzoni, J. Miadlikowska, A. Laetsch & A.E. Arnold. 2012. Host- and geographic structure of endophytic and endolichenic fungi at a continental scale. American Journal of Botany. 99: 898–914.
U’Ren, J. M., A.E. Arnold. 2016. Diversity, taxonomic composition, and functional aspects of fungal communities in living, senescent, and fallen leaves at five sites across North America. PeerJ. e2768.