Neofusicoccum parvum, A New Agent of Sequoia Canker and Dieback Identified in Geneva, Switzerland

Fungi were isolated in pure cultures from decaying giant sequoias Geneva (Switzerland). Isolates genetically identified by ITS rDNA sequencing. Young sequoia trees artificially infected with a culture of Botryosphaeria parva. Henle-Koch’s Postulates demonstrated that parva was pathogenic to Sequoiadendron giganteum. When analysing the microorganisms associated canker and dieback symptoms (Sequoiadendron giganteum) Geneva, fungus Neofusicoccum parvum (Pennycook & Samuels) Crous, Slippers A.J.L. Phillips, teleomorph isolated, whereas such are commonly Fusicoccum aesculi (teleomorph dothidea). These two fungal species belong same genus Botryosphaeriaceae family. Because causing cankers diebacks other woody around world, we extended analysis displaying order evaluate involvement increasing Geneva. Dried twigs, trunk, branch diseased sampled on several distinct sites. From all samples, fungi showed phenotype typical species. then at level. Subsequently inoculated young trees, re-isolated provoked symptoms, re-identified fulfil postulates. The identification confirmed present sites, while retrieved only once alone. inoculation isolates for first time this able develop could, therefore, be major cause dying Lake area.