Identification and characterization of Entyloma eschscholziae, a recently introduced pathogen in Europe, and its segregate Entyloma dendromeconis sp. nov.

Abstract

AbstractEntyloma includes pathogenic and saprobic species that infect or colonize dicotyledonous host plants. Although most Entyloma species are known only from native areas of occurrence, some species were introduced with their host plants and spread outside their natural areas. The identification of introduced species is important for detection and management of invasive species. In this study, the morphology, phylogeny and species boundaries of Entyloma eschscholziae, recently introduced from North America to Europe, are revisited. Morphology was similar among the type and other specimens of E. eschscholziae analysed on Eschscholzia californica. Both asexual and sexual morphs were observed. The rDNA ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2 sequences of the E. eschscholziae specimens from Europe and New Zealand and the environmental sequence obtained from grassland soil in California, United States, were identical. Morphological and molecular analyses confirm that the causative agents of white smut on E. californica in native (North America) and introduced (Europe, New Zealand) areas belong to the same species. DNA barcodes obtained in this study (especially ITS sequence from the designated epitype specimen) could be used to facilitate its molecular identification. Specimens on Dendromecon rigida, previously assigned to E. eschscholziae, are morphologically distinct. An attempt to obtain DNA barcode data from degraded holotype material was not successful and no more recent material is available. However, based on the morphological differences and high host specificity found in Entyloma spp., it is appropriate to describe a new species, Entyloma dendromeconis, for this smut pathogen.