Plant-Associated Neoscytalidium dimidiatum—Taxonomy, Host Range, Epidemiology, Virulence, and Management Strategies: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, a plant- and human-associated fungus, has emerged as a substantial global ecological and agricultural threat aggravated by global warming. It inflicts various diseases, including canker, blight, dieback, leaf spot, root rot, and fruit rot, across a wide spectrum of fruit trees, field crops, shrubs, and arboreal species, with a host range spanning 46 plant families, 84 genera, and 126 species, primarily affecting eudicot angiosperms. Six genera are asymptomatic hosts. Neoscytalidium dimidiatum exhibits worldwide distribution, with the highest prevalence observed in Asia and North America, notably in Iran, Turkey, and California. Rising disease prevalence and severity, aggravated by climate change, particularly impact tropical arid places across 37 countries spanning all 7 continents. This comprehensive review encapsulates recent advancements in the understanding of N. dimidiatum, encompassing alterations in its taxonomic classification, host range, symptoms, geographic distribution, epidemiology, virulence, and strategies for effective management. This study also concentrates on comprehending the taxonomic relationships and intraspecific variations within N. dimidiatum, with a particular emphasis on N. oculus and N. hylocereum, proposing to consider these two species as synonymous with N. dimidiatum. Furthermore, this review identifies prospective research directions aimed at augmenting our fundamental understanding of host—N. dimidiatum interaction.

Neoscytalidium dimidiatum: A newly identified postharvest pathogen of pears and its implications for pome fruits

“…orchidacearum , and N . hyalinum , as discussed by Derviş and Özer (2023). Our phylogenetic analysis revealed distinct isolate clusters, including our new isolates (Nd_Pc01 and Nd_Pc02) and others (Kale4‐C, Ol_Dr04, Nd_Fig01, and Arp2‐D), which exhibited phylogenetic divergence from traditional N .…”

“…N. dimidiatum isolates within other clades of the species. However, this divergence is more likely attributed to intraspecies polymorphism rather than indicating separate taxonomic entities, as emphasized by Derviş and Özer (2023).…”

“…Neoscytalidium dimidiatum , a dematiaceous fungus within the Botryosphaeriaceae family, has earned notoriety for its capacity to induce diseases in a wide array of plant hosts. Originally confined to regions with Mediterranean climates, such as Egypt and California, this fungus has expanded its geographical distribution to encompass 37 countries (Derviş & Özer, 2023). This expansion underscores the fungus's adaptability and widespread prevalence, indicative of its ability to thrive across diverse geographic regions influenced by climatic variations.…”

Taxonomy and pathogenicity of fungi associated with oak decline in northern and central Zagros forests of Iran with emphasis on coelomycetous species

“…Botryosphaeria and Neoscytalidium species are among the most virulent members of Botryosphaeriaceae associated with canker, dieback, fruit rot, and decline symptoms in a broad spectrum of woody plants (including Quercus spp.) (Luque et al, 2000;Sańchez et al, 2003;Linaldeddu et al, 2009;Marsberg et al, 2017;Kazemzadeh Chakusary et al, 2019;Mahamedi et al, 2020;Dervişand Özer, 2023). A search of Index Fungorum (November 2023; www.indexfungorum.org) lists more than 200 Botryosphaeria species in which DNA sequence data are available for some 20 species.…”