Start Date
12/04/2023
End Date
12/04/2023
Description
Mycology - Wood Decay / Fungal pathogen transport is facilitated by human activities and climate change. This dispersal is leading to novel interactions with hosts, with increasing frequency of negative impacts. The increased use of broad-spectrum fungicides, movement of plants and plant products and novel host-pathogen interactions are leading to new disease threats to ecosystems and humans alike. Here, two case studies are presented that examine novel ways fungi are moving globally and potentially encountering novel hosts. In the first study we surveyed imported wooden handicraft products for viable of fungi sold in six retail stores in Florida, United States. Studies were conducted in two experiments using culture-based methods, followed by DNA identification of the isolates. Many of the tested products were observed to have bark present, evidence of decay or current or previous fungal growth, suggesting the potential for survival of a diverse array of fungi even if biosafety protocols are being followed. Fourty-seven unique isolates were identified and classified into functional groups and biogeography. Among the fungi recovered were non-endemic plant and human pathogens as well as mycotoxin-producers. A high proportion of species isolated were reported to be either thermophilic or halophilic, suggesting adaptability and selection through current wood treatment protocols that utilize heat (60 oC) and/or fumigation with methyl-bromide. Our study demonstrates high survival and diversity of fungi in wood products originating from at least seven countries on three continents. This research suggests that current federal guidelines for imports of wooden goods are insufficient to prevent introduction of fungi in wooden products and demonstrates the necessity to improve safeguards at both points of origin and entry for biosecurity against introduction from invasive fungal species in these commodities. A second study examines the role wildfire smoke plays in transporting fungal pathogens. Although living microbes have been documented in wildfire smoke previously, the diversity, origin, function, and potential impacts of these microbes are largely unknown. Using culturing and Illumina sequencing from smoke samples obtained from drone-based filters, we observed a wide diversity of plant and human pathogens. These results suggest wildfire smoke may play an important, unexplored role in the long-distance dispersal of fungal pathogens. Understanding how fungi are adapting to a changing world and how they may interact with novel hosts is critical to safeguarding the health of our planet.
Location
Renton, WA
Distance Learning
No
Course Equivalency
No
Subjects
Horticulture / Plants
Health, Safety and Welfare
Yes
Hours
1.50
Learning Outcomes
1. Understand how fungi are adapting to a changing world and how they may interact with novel hosts
2. Understand the tole that increased use of broad-spectrum fungicides, movement of plants and plant products and novel host-pathogen interactions are leading to new disease threats to ecosystems and humans alike
3. Understanding the role wildfire smoke plays in transporting fungal pathogens
Instructors
Jason Smith, University of Florida
Course Codes
Provider
American Society of Consulting Arborists