Prelecionista: Flávia Sampaio Alexandre
Orientador: Rafael Ferreira Alfenas
Coorientador: Acelino Couto Alfenas
Data: 10/12/2024, às 16, no anfiteatro do ESB

Resumo: Tectona grandis, commonly known as teak, is a highly valued hardwood species, but its cultivation is increasingly threatened by Ceratocystis wilt, caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata. Planting resistant genotypes represents the most effective strategy for disease management. However, effective control requires a comprehensive understanding of the pathogen’s genetic diversity and aggressiveness, as well as the identification of resistance sources within teak populations. This study evaluated the genetic diversity and aggressiveness of Ceratocystis fimbriata isolates from teak, sequenced and annotated the genome sequence of highly aggressive isolate (LPF2199), and compared it with isolates from other plant species to identify unique pathogenicity traits. It also assessed resistance to Ceratocystis wilt in commercial teak clones and examined the inheritance of resistance in open-pollinated progenies. Among 56 isolates, nine multilocus genotypes were identified, with one haplotype predominating. Aggressiveness testing of eight representative isolates, corresponding to the major haplotypes, revealed significant variation in aggressiveness level. Comparative genomic analyses showed high similarity across isolates but identified unique proteins in LPF2199 that may contribute to its high aggressiveness in teak and its ability to infect multiple hosts. Screening of 12 teak clones revealed five with significant resistance to Ceratocystis wilt. Segregation for resistance in open-pollinated progenies indicated heritable resistance traits. These findings enhance our understanding of the C. fimbriata–T. grandis pathosystem and provide valuable contributions to breeding programs focused on developing teak genotypes resistant to Ceratocystis wilt.