Current status of Botryosphaeriaceae species in Italy: Impacts on agricultural crops and forest ecosystems

Abstract

Many fungi belonging to Botryosphaeriaceae are well-known as causal agents of diseases in economically and ecologically important agricultural crops and forest trees. In Italy, the high diffusion of Botryosphaeriaceae infections observed over the last decade, has shown the importance of this group of fungi, which are becoming limiting factors for plant production in agricultural systems, nurseries and natural and urban landscapes. Global warming and stress factors such as occasional extreme climatic events can affect the susceptibility of host plants, as well as fungus behaviour, increasing the risk of future infections. Available reports of Botryosphaeriaceae in Italy have been examined, focusing on wood and fruit pathogens, resulting in a list of ten genera and 57 species. Diplodia is the most widespread genus in Italy with 76 records on 44 hosts, while at species level, Neofusicoccum parvum, Botryosphaeria dothidea and Diplodia seriata show the widest host ranges and many records. The ability of the pathogens to remain latent on asymptomatic plants, and uncontrolled trade of plant materials among countries, facilitate the dissemination and potential introduction of new Botryosphaeriaceae species. Preventive detection and adequate control strategies are always needed to limit the potential damage caused by Botryosphaeriaceae. This review had particular emphasis on host-pathogen associations, disease symptoms, geographic distribution, metabolite production, and accurate pathogen identification.