Esteya floridanum sp. nov.: An Ophiostomatalean Nematophagous Fungus and Its Potential to Control the Pine Wood Nematode

The nematophagous fungal genus Esteya is reported as a natural enemy of the pine wood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, which causes pine wilt in Asia and Europe. During a survey of fungi associated with ambrosia beetles in Florida, an undescribed Esteya species was found. A phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear large subunit and P-tubulin DNA sequences supported this isolate as a new species, E. floridanum. Morphological and phylogenetic characteristics and a species description are provided here. The fungus was observed to kill the pine wood nematode in vitro. To evaluate the ability of E. floridanum to protect trees against the pine wood nematode in vivo, the effect of prophylactic inoculation was tested on Pinus koraiensis and Larix olgensis in Liaoning, China. The results suggest that the fungus is not a plant pathogen and that it delays wilt and postpones death of two conifer trees. This presents a potential new avenue for research on biocontrol of pine wilt disease and stresses the value of research on pest organisms in their native regions.

Automated summary

The nematophagous fungal genus Esteya, a natural enemy of the pine wood nematode, was discovered in Florida with a new species named E. floridanum. It was found to kill the pine wood nematode in vitro and delay the death of two conifer trees in vivo, showing potential for biocontrol of pine wilt disease. This highlights the importance of studying pest organisms in their native regions.