Tree-killing fungus unravelled

 

 

Prof Brenda Wingfield, professor of Genetics and deputy dean of UP's Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, and a group of students have recently produced the full genome sequence of the tree-killing fungus, Fusarium circinatum. This pathogen wreaks global destruction in commercial pine plantations. 

 

This is the first multicellular genome to be sequenced in Africa. The project encompasses fundamental DNA technology and has the potential to unlock practical applications for the South African forestry industry.  

 

Fusarium circinatum causes a destructive pine disease commonly known as pitch canker. It reduces growth and often kills trees. It originated in Central America and was accidentally introduced into many regions of the world where pine trees are planted as exotics, including countries such as South Africa, Chile, Spain, Japan, Korea and southwestern USA. 

 

The pitch canker pathogen was first observed in South Africa in 1990 when it was killing pine seedlings. It is now the most important impediment to pine production in the country, resulting in nursery or plantation losses that can exceed 50%.  

 

“Genetics of both the pathogen and tree are bound to play a major role in the race to stay ahead of this disease. A complete cure is unlikely, but control is probable,” says Prof Wingfield. She has just spent six months at the University of California in Davis, USA, studying and developing a deeper understanding as to what the genome can reveal about the fungus. It is anticipated that the Fusarium circinatum genome will be one of many genomes annotated at the University of Pretoria in the future.  

 

The project is funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Department of Trade and Industry, while the Oppenheimer Foundation, NRF and the University of Pretoria provided support for Prof Wingfield to undertake her sabbatical research in the USA.

 

 
  Prof Brenda Wingfield