The Ceratocystis species on conifers

Abstract

Seven Ceratocystis species are recognized as having conifers as their primary hosts, and these species comprise a monophyletic group. Despite being morphologically similar, these taxa are distinguished by intersterility and isozyme electromorphs. The first described species in the group, Ceratocystis coerulescens (Münch) Bakshi, is neotypified; it causes bluestain of Picea and Pinus in Europe and North America. A similar species, Ceratocystis pinicola sp.nov., also causes bluestain but has thus far been recorded only on Pinus in Britain. In contrast, Ceratocystis resinifera sp.nov. has been recorded from Picea on continental Europe and North America and invades wounds of living trees. Ceratocystis polonica (Siemaszko) C. Moreau is neotypified and distinguished ecologically from Ceratocystis laricicola Redfern & Minter; both species occur across Eurasia and are associated with Ips bark beetles on Picea and Larix, respectively. A key is presented for these species as well as the recently recognized species from North America, Ceratocystis rufipenni Wingfield, Harrington, & Solheim and Ceratocystis douglasii (Davidson) Wingfield & Harrington, which occur on Picea and Pseudotsuga, respectively.Key words: Ceratocystis, Pinaceae, bluestain, Scolytidae.