Anatomical changes in the stems of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium australe Small), caused by the fungus Godronia cassandrae f. vaccinii (Peck) Groves

Abstract

Some histological changes were observed in blueberry stems infected by the fungus <i>G.cassandrae</i>. Dead cells of subepidermal collenchyma and cortical parenchyma filled with brown flocculent deposits were seen in the lesion areas. Pycnidia characteristic for the conidial stage of the fungus (<i>Topospora myrtilli</i>) were found in the collenchyma layer. The diseased tissues were found to be separated from the healthy ones by a layer of cork cells which was initiated under the epidermis and ended under the pericycle. Beneath this cork layer lamellar collenchyma and collenchyma-like phelloderma formed. Similar histopathological changes were observed in blueberry stems infected by seven other fungi

Phenotypic Characterization and Phylogeny of Godronia myrtilli (Anamorph: Topospora myrtilli)—Causal Agent of Godronia Canker on Highbush Blueberry

“…In classical phytopathological studies of various pathogens, research begins with the observation of the development of the disease (symptoms and etiological signs). The observations made during the presented studies fully confirmed the earlier findings of various Polish researchers from the last 50 years [ 16 , 18 , 30 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ]. Similar results have also been obtained outside Poland and even outside Europe [ 4 , 13 , 24 ].…”

“…Neither the type of disease symptoms (even if the etiological signs of the pathogen are present) nor anatomical examinations of infested stems allow proper and complete diagnosis of the pathogen [ 29 , 30 ]. For full mycological identification of the causal agent, analysis using artificial culture methods as well as molecular biology methods is necessary [ 31 , 32 , 33 ].…”