Sharp Rise in Fungal Infections on Platanus Orientalis-Needs Serious Introspections

Authors: Dar RA* and Rai AN

DOI: 10.23880/oajmms-16000103

Volume 2, Issue 1

Abstract

Canker stain symptoms in alarming proportions were observed on beneath of the leaf surfaces in 21 differentially located Platanus orientalis kashmeriana populations similar to what has been reported earlier in United States and Europe. Genetic interpretations of these isolates, using ITS region of rDNA as unique DNA barcoding site for molecular identification showed the evolution of new fungal species, Alternaria kashmeriana sp.nov. From closely related species under geographically distinct conditions encountering 0.5 amount of genetic change in ITS region of rDNA. The pathogen is having a dramatic lethal effect on the natural populations of Platanus orientalis kashmeriana in Northern India and solid containment measures should be imposed to restrict its spread throughout the natural range of this ecologically, economically and historically precious host.

Keywords: Platanus orientalis kashmeriana; Genetic Change; ITS; DNA Barcoding; Alternaria Kashmeriana

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