2026-07-02 ノースカロライナ州立大学（NC State）
What a Neo-P infection looks like on the plant’s crown (left), the fruit (center) and the leaves (right). Photos by Caleb Bollenbacher (left) and Bill Cline (center and right).
＜関連情報＞
- https://news.ncsu.edu/2026/07/nc-state-fights-an-emerging-threat-to-strawberry-crops/
- https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/PHYTO-04-26-0109-R
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2026.1725321/full
ノースカロライナ州における侵襲性真菌病原体ネオペスタロチオプシス：分子特性、病原性、および宿主感受性 The Invasive Fungal Pathogen Neopestalotiopsis in North Carolina: Molecular Characterization, Virulence, and Host Susceptibility
Tika B. Adhikari, Susmita Gaire, Swarnalatha Moparthi, Ashley N. Philbrick, Anju Pandey, Prem B. Magar, Rajan Paudel, Mathew A. Bertone, and Frank J. Louws
Phytopathology Published:29 Jun 2026
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-04-26-0109-R
Abstract
A Neopestalotiopsis spp. has recently emerged as an invasive fungal pathogen threatening strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) production in North Carolina by causing leaf spots, fruit rot, and crown rot, resulting in significant production challenges. Understanding pathogen diversity and virulence variability is vital for developing effective disease management strategies and improving host resistance. Sixty-five Neopestalotiopsis isolates were collected from multiple strawberry cultivars across diverse production regions in North Carolina and characterized using a high-resolution melting quantitative real-time PCR (HRM-qPCR) assay targeting a partial β-tubulin (β-tub) gene sequence. HRM-qPCR analysis differentiated the isolates into two distinct genetic groups, comprising 28 and 37 isolates, respectively, indicating substantial genetic diversity within the pathogen population. To establish reliable disease screening methods, four inoculation techniques were evaluated: foliar spray inoculation with spore suspensions and inoculation with Neopestalotiopsis-infested oatmeal grain, both of which consistently produced disease symptoms and were selected for virulence assessments. To further investigate pathogenic variability, 10 arbitrarily selected isolates were evaluated by spray inoculating 15 strawberry cultivars. Significant effects of isolate, cultivar, and isolate × cultivar interactions were observed, suggesting potential pathogenic specialization among isolates. Although all isolates were pathogenic across the cultivars tested, notable variability in virulence was observed among isolate-cultivar combinations. Among the cultivars evaluated, AC Valley Sunset, Jewel, and Malwina consistently exhibited lower disease susceptibility, suggesting greater tolerance to Neopestalotiopsis. These findings improve understanding of the pathogen diversity and host-pathogen interactions and provide valuable information for cultivar selection, breeding programs, and integrated disease management strategies against this emerging pathogen.
侵入性真菌病原体であるNeopestalotiopsis属菌はイチゴ生産にとって大きな脅威である：現状、課題、そして今後の方向性 Neopestalotiopsis spp., an invasive fungal pathogen, is a major threat to strawberry production: the current status, challenges, and future directions
Susmita Gaire,Norman Muzhinji,Frank J. Louws,Tika B. Adhikari
Frontiers in Plant Science Published:28 January 2026
DOI:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2026.1725321
Abstract
Pestalotioid fungi have traditionally been regarded as secondary or opportunistic pathogens of strawberries, which has led to limited research attention. However, recent outbreaks of Neopestalotiopsis have demonstrated its potential to act as a primary pathogen, posing a significant threat to strawberry production worldwide. Current management strategies primarily involve propagation of pathogen-free plants, cultural practices such as field sanitation, crop rotation, and the removal of infected plants, supplemented by the application of biocontrol agents and fungicides. Advances in molecular diagnostic tools have improved early detection and monitoring of Neopestalotiopsis spp. Furthermore, initial efforts have begun to identify sources of genetic resistance in strawberry, thereby supporting future breeding programs. Despite these advancements, a considerable gap remains in our understanding of the host’s defense mechanisms, the pathogen’s infection strategies, the dynamics of their interactions, and the pathogen’s ecology. The taxonomy’s complexity and the variability in virulence among its isolates further complicate diagnosis and control efforts. Addressing these challenges is crucial to developing sustainable, integrated disease management strategies and advancing resistance breeding, thereby ensuring the long-term productivity and resilience of the strawberry industry. This review consolidates the current understanding of Neopestalotiopsis spp., evaluates the available diagnostic tools and management strategies, discusses recent progress in genetics and genomics for breeding resistance to this pathogen, and identifies areas for further research.
