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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Davis, California » Crops Pathology and Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #332748
Title: TrunkDiseaseID.org: A molecular database for fast and accurate identification of fungi commonly isolated from grapevine wood

Author
item Lawrence, Daniel
item TRAVADON, RENAUD - University Of California
item NITA, MIZUHO - Virginia Tech
item Baumgartner, Kendra

Submitted to: Crop Protection
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/17/2017
Publication Date: 8/30/2017
Citation: Lawrence, D.P., Travadon, R., Nita, M., Baumgartner, K. 2017. TrunkDiseaseID.org: A molecular database for fast and accurate identification of fungi commonly isolated from grapevine wood. Crop Protection. 102:110-117.

Interpretive Summary: The grapevine trunk-disease complex limits the productive life of vineyards in all major grape-growing regions of the World. Although trunk diseases have been distinguished based on the different fungal pathogens and how they spread (e.g., Botryosphaeria-, Eutypa-, and Phomopsis diebacks, Esca), in the vineyard we often find multiple diseases/pathogens affecting a vine. These diverse infections of trunk pathogens and other wood-colonizing fungi include a wide range of unrelated species that are difficult to sort out. Traditional identification based on the size and shape of the microscopic spores is largely untenable because of overlap in these characteristics among closely related species (some of which may or may not pathogens). To help increase the accuracy of pathogen identification and disease diagnosis, we introduce the new molecular database TrunkDiseaseID.org, which includes reliable rDNA ITS sequences from 250+ fungal isolates (pathogens and saprobes), referenced in the primary literature. In addition to DNA sequences, this database provides a scientific reference, host plant, geographic origin, and ecological status (when available) for each isolate. Outreach through the National Plant Diagnostic Network and the US Department of Agriculture’s Identification Technology Program will connect diagnosticians to this new database. Accurate species-level identification and ecological categorization will help practitioners (growers, cooperative extension farm advisors, pest-control advisers) to make informed management decisions.

Technical Abstract: The grapevine trunk-disease complex limits vineyard longevity in all major grape-growing regions. Although trunk diseases have been distinguished based on causal agents (aka trunk pathogens) and etiologies (e.g., Botryosphaeria-, Eutypa-, and Phomopsis diebacks, Esca), mixed infections are frequent in vineyards. These diverse fungal assemblages of trunk pathogens and other wood-colonizing fungi span four classes of Pezizomycotina (Ascomycota) and 10 genera of Hymenochaetales (Basidiomycota). Traditional identification based on morphology is largely untenable because of overlap in colony characteristics or spore dimensions, and lack of sporulation in culture. When based on DNA sequencing, searches of uncurated, public molecular databases can lead to misidentifications. We introduce the new molecular database TrunkDiseaseID.org, populated with accurate and reliable rDNA ITS sequences from 250+ isolates (pathogens and saprobes), referenced in the primary literature. Currently, no such comprehensive database exists. In addition to ITS sequences, this database provides a scientific reference, host plant, geographic origin, and ecological status (when available) for each isolate. Outreach through the National Plant Diagnostic Network and the US Department of Agriculture’s Identification Technology Program will connect diagnosticians to this new database. Accurate species-level identification and ecological categorization will help practitioners (growers, cooperative extension farm advisors, pest-control advisers) to make informed management decisions.