Physiology and molecular characteristics of a pine wilt nematode-trapping fungus, Monacrosporium megalosporum.

We isolated the nematode-trapping fungus Monacrosporium megalosporum from nature and examined its morphology, physiology and molecular characteristics. The nematode-trapping device of this fungus is a three-dimensional network. This fungus captures the pine wilt nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), but not a non-phytopathogenic nematode that is morphologically similar to B. xylophilus. The phylogenic relationship of the nucleotide sequence of the rDNA ITS region was close to those of M. thaumasium and Geniculifera eudermata, which also have nematode-trapping devices that are three-dimensional networks. Acidic pH inhibited both the liberation and regeneration of protoplasts. Moreover, cytoplasmic granulation of protoplasts was found below pH 6.0. Mycelial growth on agar media was also inhibited below pH 4, but not at pH 9. These results strongly suggest that the activity of this fungus is inhibited by acid rain in the field. Therefore, development of pine wilt disease might be a secondary effect of acid rain.