Species diversity of Cytospora associated with forest canker diseases in Xizang (Tibet), China

Abstract

Cytospora is a widespread fungal genus that causes canker diseases in woody plants worldwide. Recent studies have clarified the classification of this genus by combing phylogenetic analysis and morphological characteristics. However, the species diversity of Cytospora in the high-altitude forests of the Xizang (Tibet) Autonomous Region in China has not been systematically studied. In the present study, 136 isolates were collected from cankered branches of woody plants in Xizang and identified using multigene phylogenetics, culture characteristics and morphology. As a result of these analyses, the genus was divided into 10 species complexes (Beilinensis SC, Chrysosperma SC, Euonymicola SC, Japonica SC, Kantschavelii SC, Leucostoma SC, Pruinosa SC, Ribis SC, Sacchari SC and Viticola SC) and 12 singletons. In total 50 species were identified, of which 23 were found to be new to science. This study highlights the species diversity of forest pathogens in Xizang, providing valuable information for future disease management practices.