Predominance of forest species and association of phytopathogenic fungi in trees of Mexico City

Abstract

The objective was to determine the prevalence of forest species and identify phytopathogenic fungi in trees in CDMX. The trees were delimited in the Parque 18 de Marzo, based on the distribution of parks and gardens with native and introduced vegetation. From 2018 to 2020, diseased plant tissues were sampled and collected from tree species. The classification was through the manual of botanical species of the Valley of Mexico and the identification of fungi with taxonomic keys. We found 25 botanical families with significant differences (p≤ 0.05) in the diversity of native (39.51 %) and introduced (60.49 %) species. Leaves, shoots and branches presented leaf spots, chlorosis, cankers, death of vascular tissue, powdery mildew and rust. The degree of affectation with the highest impact on health and quality of the trees was Kirramyces epicoccoides, Aspergillus niger, Tubercularia sp. and Alternaria alternata (2.34, 2.58, 5.74 and 6.80 %, respectively). The cumulative incidence of cases registered in trees was 17.46 %. Ulmus parvifolia expressed greater epidemiological increase. A. alternata had a significant impact on population dynamics. The incidence of phytopathogenic fungi in tree species evidenced the general phytosanitary status that CDMX trees represent, which will allow establishing management measures for specific diseases.