Comparison of Cenangium Dieback Fungus Isolated from Three Different Species of Pine

Dieback of pine branches or twigs with brown needles occurs most commonly on Pinus species after severe winter in Korea. In this study, Cenangium ferruginosum was isolated from infected stems, branches, and twigs of Pinus koraiensis (C1), P. densiflora (C2), and P. thunbergii (C3). Morphological and cultural characteristics of the isolates were than compared. There were no significant differences in the morphological characteristics of conidia and ascospores produced by the three isolates. However, cultural differences were observed among the isolates. Optimum temperatures for mycelial growth of C1, C2, and C3 were 15, 20, and $20^{\circ}$, respectively. C1 produced a few conidia and no ascospores, while C2 and C3 produced abundant ascospores and conidia. While optimum temperatures for mycelial growth ranged from 15 to $20^{\circ}$, mycelial growth was also relatively good at lower temperatures of 5-$10^{\circ}$. Conidiomata and conidia were produced on MSA (malt extract soya peptone agar) after 25-30 days of incubation in the dark at $15^{\circ}$. Apothecia were produced by altering culture condition from 15 to $20^{\circ}$, and incubating for 35-60 more days. Optimum temperature for ascospore and conidium germination was $20^{\circ}$. RAPD analysis revealed that there was high similarity of 0.78 between C2 and C3, and low similarity of 0.31 between C2 or C3 and C1.