Global Geographic Distribution and Host Range of <i>Fusarium circinatum</i>, the Causal Agent of Pine Pitch Canker

• Main Authors: Rein Drenkhan, Beccy Ganley, Jorge Martín-García, Petr Vahalík, Kalev Adamson, Katarína Adamčíková, Rodrigo Ahumada, Lior Blank, Helena Bragança, Paolo Capretti, Michelle Cleary, Carolina Cornejo, Kateryna Davydenko, Julio J. Diez, Hatice Tuğba Doğmuş Lehtijärvi, Miloň Dvořák, Rasmus Enderle, Gerda Fourie, Margarita Georgieva, Luisa Ghelardini, Jarkko Hantula, Renaud Ioos, Eugenia Iturritxa, Loukas Kanetis, Natalia N. Karpun, András Koltay, Elena Landeras, Svetlana Markovskaja, Nebai Mesanza, Ivan Milenković, Dmitry L. Musolin, Konstantinos Nikolaou, Justyna A. Nowakowska, Nikica Ogris, Funda Oskay, Tomasz Oszako, Irena Papazova-Anakieva, Marius Paraschiv, Matias Pasquali, Francesco Pecori, Trond Rafoss, Kristina Raitelaitytė, Rosa Raposo, Cecile Robin, Carlos A. Rodas, Alberto Santini, Antonio V. Sanz-Ros, Andrey V. Selikhovkin, Alejandro Solla, Mirkka Soukainen, Nikoleta Soulioti, Emma T. Steenkamp, Panaghiotis Tsopelas, Aleksandar Vemić, Anna Maria Vettraino, Michael J. Wingfield, Stephen Woodward, Cristina Zamora-Ballesteros, Martin S. Mullett
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2020-07-01
• Series: Forests
• Subjects: invasive pathogen; climate change; interactive map of pathogen; susceptibility
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4907/11/7/724

<i>Fusarium circinatum</i>, the causal agent of pine pitch canker (PPC), is currently one of the most important threats of <i>Pinus</i> spp. globally. This pathogen is known in many pine-growing regions, including natural and planted forests, and can affect all life stages of trees, from emerging seedlings to mature trees. Despite the importance of PPC, the global distribution of <i>F. circinatum</i> is poorly documented, and this problem is also true of the hosts within countries that are affected. The aim of this study was to review the global distribution of <i>F. circinatum</i>, with a particular focus on Europe. We considered (1) the current and historical pathogen records, both positive and negative, based on confirmed reports from Europe and globally; (2) the genetic diversity and population structure of the pathogen; (3) the current distribution of PPC in Europe, comparing published models of predicted disease distribution; and (4) host susceptibility by reviewing literature and generating a comprehensive list of known hosts for the fungus. These data were collated from 41 countries and used to compile a specially constructed geo-database (http://bit.do/phytoportal). A review of 6297 observation records showed that <i>F. circinatum</i> and the symptoms it causes on conifers occurred in 14 countries, including four in Europe, and is absent in 28 countries. Field observations and experimental data from 138 host species revealed 106 susceptible host species including 85 <i>Pinus </i>species, 6 non-pine tree species and 15 grass and herb species. Our data confirm that susceptibility to <i>F. circinatum</i> varies between different host species, tree ages and environmental characteristics. Knowledge on the geographic distribution, host range and the relative susceptibility of different hosts is essential for disease management, mitigation and containment strategies. The findings reported in this review will support countries that are currently free of <i>F. circinatum</i> in implementing effective procedures and restrictions and prevent further spread of the pathogen.