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KFRI team discovers a new fungal pathogen species in Kerala

A  new leaf spot and leaf blights pathogen, P. travancorense, affecting Coffea travancorensis in Kerala, India, was identified through a polyphasic approach, marking the first global record of this fungal species and its pathogenic incidence. This research emphasizes Kerala’s fungal diversity, adding to the taxonomic knowledge of foliar fungal pathogens in this biodiversity-rich region. The discovery of P. travancorense as a pathogen on C. travancorensis highlights the need for ongoing surveillance in biodiverse areas of Kerala to detect new fungal threats. 

Dr. Shambhu Kumar (Senior Scientist and Head), Bhadhra Milton (Internship student), Mufeeda K.T. (Junior Research Fellow) of the Forest Pathology Department of KSCSTE-Kerala Forest Research Institute, Kerala, along with Dr. Raghvendra Singh (Senior Assistant Professor), Department of Botany, Banaras Hindu University, India, have discovered this new species of phytopathogenic fungus, Paramyrothecium travancorense (Ascomycota, Stachybotryaceae), associated with an emerging leaf spots and blights disease of Coffea travancorensis (Family-Rubiaceae) from KFRI Main Campus, Peechi, Thrissur, Kerala.

Coffea travancorensis (synonym Psilanthus travancorensis), a wild coffee species native to the Western Ghats, is now endemic in Kerala’s forests. Coffea travancorensis is listed in the ‘Vulnerable’ category under criteria B2ab(i,ii,iii) of the IUCN red-listed book. Unlike cultivated species like C. arabica and C. canephora, it is valued for its unique bioactive compounds with medicinal potential. Its roots are used in Ayurveda to treat anaemia, heart ailments, skin disorders, and inflammation. Rich in antioxidants and alkaloids like caffeine, it helps combat chronic diseases, boosts cognitive health, and shows promise for antibiotic development. As a key ingredient in Ayurvedic formulations like Kumaryasavam and Chyavanaprasam, conserving C. travancorensis is crucial to protect and preserve this species within its native range.

Species of Paramyrothecium primarily cause leaf spots and blight disease in plants. The disease can be overcome by pruning and removing infected leaves in the early infection stage to reduce the source of infection. Paramyrothecium infects all plant leaves within a short period of time once the climatic conditions are favourable. Some biological preventive solutions are available on the market that can be used to control this disease. In severe cases, fungicides may be very effective for the control of Paramyrothecium leaf spots and blights. 

Additionally, it has been reported that some species of Paramyrothecium produce secondary metabolites with bio-herbicidal potentials. Hence, further research needs to be conducted on the host ranges, epidemiology, and bio-potential of this pathogen, Dr Shambhu Kumar said. This precise identification aids in tracking disease spread and in formulating targeted management strategies to reduce the impact on the health of C. travancorensis plants (wild coffee), supporting conservation and sustainability, Dr. Kumar pointed out.


Published on: March 4, 2025

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