Deadly fungus threatens endangered Western Ghats tree

Deadly Fungus Threatens Dipterocarpus bourdillonii – Western Ghats

Location: Western Ghats, Kerala (Thrissur)

Tree Species:Dipterocarpus bourdillonii

• Family: Dipterocarpaceae
• Status: Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List)
• Endemic to the Western Ghats
• Ecological Role: Maintains rainforest canopy, supports biodiversity
• Economic & Cultural Value: Hardwood for construction/furniture, oleoresin used in traditional medicine & industry

Threat:

• Newly detected fungal infection by Corynespora cassiicola
• Pathogen is highly aggressive; infects over 530 plant species
• Causes leaf spots, target spots, and blight
• Spreads via spores through wind, water, and human activity
• Impact: Defoliation, impaired photosynthesis, reduced growth, potential tree death

Research & Discovery:

• Scientists: Shambhu Kumar (Kerala Forest Research Institute), Raghvendra Singh (Banaras Hindu University)
• Published in Mycosphere (June 17, 2025)
• Identified using morpho-cultural traits and molecular phylogenetics

Conservation Recommendations:

• Early detection and integrated disease management
• Resistant cultivars, cultural practices (spacing, removal of infected parts), fungicides (mancozeb, azoxystrobin)
• Supports both in-situ and ex-situ conservation
• Highlights need for ongoing disease surveillance

Significance:

• First recorded instance of this pathogen affecting D. bourdillonii
• Adds a biotic threat on top of existing pressures like overexploitation and habitat loss
  
  Updated - July 05, 2025 05:54 pm | The Hindu