Monclova-Santana, Cecilia

Publication Search Results

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1

Pathogenic threats of ten endangered plant species of the karst region of Puerto Rico
(2015) Monclova-Santana, Cecilia; Feliciano-Rivera, Merari; College of Agricultural Sciences; Rivera Vargas, Lydia I.; Albelleira Martínez, Oscar; Department of Crops and Agro-Environmental Sciences; González Vélez, Enrique
Puerto Rico’s karst region has an important role in air, soil, and water quality, and is considered one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems of the island. Northern and Southern karst’s regions nurture unique plants including endangered rare species. This research aims to identify plant pathogenic threats to ten endangered plant species exclusive to the karst region. Field survey, tissue collection, isolation, pathogenicity test, morphological and molecular characterization were performed to identify fungal and bacterial isolates. Different fungal species were identified associated to endangered plant species: Colletotrichum spp., Pestalotiopsis spp., Xylaria spp., Lasiodiplodia spp., Curvularia spp., Nigrospora spp., Diaporthe spp. among others. The most fragile plant species, Varronia bellonis, includes just a few individuals at a very poor condition. Seed collection and planting is crucial for its conservation. An effective and precise plant disease management plan is highly recommended to nurseries. These are first reports of these fungal/host plant species interactions in Puerto Rico.