KFRI team discovers fungus that harms flowering plant, honours DDU Gorakhpur professor in name

NEW DELHI: Researchers from Kerala have found a new fungal species damaging leaves of Amazon Blue, an ornamental plant with significant aesthetic and commercial value.

This phytopathogenic (disease-causing) fungus, named Paramyrothecium kamalii, is known to cause leaf spots and blights disease, an ailment that could potentially kill a plant. Amazon Blue (Matourea azurea), a floral shrub known for its distinct blue-coloured flowers and fragrance, was introduced to India from Southeast Brazil.

The discovery paves the way for better surveillance and preservation of these plants in tropical ecosystems.

The DDU Gorakhpur connection

The fungus was discovered by a team of researchers from the forest pathology department of KSCSTE-Kerala Forest Research Institute at the institute's main campus in Thrissur. The researchers, including senior scientist Shambhu Kumar, Farsana KB and Mufeeda KT, zeroed in on the species through morpho-cultural, pathological and multigene molecular phylogenetic evidence.

It was named after Kamal, former head, department of botany at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya University Gorakhpur, to recognise his contribution to the field of fungal taxonomy. This research work has recently been published in the journal, Archives of Microbiology.

Professor Kamal, former head, department of botany, DDU Gorakhpur

“Matourea azurea (Amazon Blue), an ornamental plant, is introduced to India from Southeast Brazil. Its essential oils exhibit antidermatophytic properties, targeting fungi causing dermatomycosis. With fragrant flowers and leaves, it holds potential for commercial floriculture and applications in perfumes, cosmetics, food, and beverages. The study underscores the importance of continuous fungal surveys and investigations to identify novel phytopathogens, aiding predictive models for disease emergence and integrated management strategies,” says a statement from the researchers.

Impact on perfume, food industries

The researchers also believe that this discovery holds significance for the floriculture, perfume, and food industries, given the value of Amazon Blue in these sectors. It also highlights the need for effective management of foliar diseases in tropical ecosystems to ensure the sustainable cultivation and commercial viability of the ornamental plant, the statement said.

The researchers said that the disease caused by this fungus can be overcome by pruning and removing infected leaves in the early infection stage. “There are also some biological preventive solutions available in the market which can be used to control this disease. In severe cases, fungicides can be very effective for the control of leaf spots and blights,” they informed.

Kumar points out that the climatic conditions of the Western Ghats in Kerala are congenial for growth and development of different kinds of pathogenic and non-pathogenic fungi. “This finding underscores the importance of ongoing research on fungal diversity systematics and exploration in the Western Ghats,” he said.