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ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BARC) » Beltsville Agricultural Research Center » Mycology and Nematology Genetic Diversity and Biology Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #417235

Research Project: Fungal Systematics and Diagnostic Resource Development for Safeguarding Plant Health

Location: Mycology and Nematology Genetic Diversity and Biology Laboratory

Title: A new species of Entyloma (Entylomatales, Exobasidiomycetes) on the ornamental plant Eryngium planum expands the En. eryngii species complex

Author
item CHAVERRI, PRISCILA - Bowie State University
item GOLDSON, NATASHA - Bowie State University
item ROMBERG, MEGAN - Animal And Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)
item DADKHAHTEHRANI, ABOLFAZL - Bowie State University
item Castlebury, Lisa

Submitted to: Mycologia
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/25/2025
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: An unknown fungal disease has been increasingly observed on an ornamental plant known as Eryngium, often imported from South America. This has forced the destruction of infected plants to prevent the introduction of this unknown species of fungus into the United States. In this study, the DNA and microscopic characters of this unknown fungus were compared to known fungi on the host plant and determined to be a previously undescribed species of Entyloma, a smut fungus. This research increases knowledge of Entyloma diversity and contributes to understanding pathogen movement and its potential invasion into new territories. It will be useful to inspectors at U.S. ports of entry and nursery growers.

Technical Abstract: The plant genus Eryngium (Apiaceae) includes various species used as condiments, ornamentals in gardens, or as elements in floral arrangements. In recent years, there has been a surge in interceptions from South America at U.S. ports of entry, leading to the subsequent destruction of these plants due to the presence of an unidentified species of Entyloma (Entylomatales, Exobasidiomycetes). The combination of morphology, host, and geographic origin does not align with any reported species on Eryngium. This study aims to identify and characterize this unknown Entyloma sp., ascertain its phylogenetic relationship with other Entyloma species, and verify the identity of the host plant. Morphological and phylogenetic (ITS nrDNA) analyses were performed, in context with available sequences and species of Entyloma. ITS nrDNA was also used to attempt the identification of the host. Initial findings reveal that the unidentified Entyloma sp. forms a distinct and well-supported clade separate from other species on Eryngium. Its closest relatives include En. carmeli, En. eryngii, En. eryngii-cretici, En. eryngii-plani, En. lagoeciae, and En. scandicis. Morphologically, it resembles En. argentinense, En. eryngii-alpini, En. eryngii-cretici, En. eryngii-maritimi, and En. eryngii-plani; however, a combination of host affiliation, geography, and morphology distinguishes the new Entyloma sp. from these five species. Therefore, the new species Entyloma meridionale is described herein. The host plant was confirmed as Eryngium planum. This research increases knowledge of Entyloma diversity and contributes to understanding the dynamics of pathogen movement and potential invasion into new territories.