S. Prospero

An old inversion polymorphism involving giant mobile elements in an invasive fungal pathogen

The paper identifies a non-recombining genomic region in the invasive fungus Cryphonectria parasitica linked to the mating-type locus, showing balanced haplotype segregation and potential adaptation through mobile elements.

Climate, host and geography shape insect and fungal communities of trees

This study identifies climate, host-related, and geographic factors shaping insect and fungal communities on trees, showing climate change could impact these communities through host range shifts and human-mediated transport.

Distribution of the invasive Anisandrus maiche (Coleoptera: Scolytinae) in Switzerland, first record in Europe of its ambrosia fungus Ambrosiella cleistominuta, and its new association with Xylosandrus crassiusculus

Possible biological control of ash dieback using the parasitic Hymenoscyphus fraxineus mitovirus 2?

This study investigates the biocontrol potential of HfMV2, a mitovirus of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, showing it can reduce fungal virulence on ash saplings.

Comparative genomics analyses of lifestyle transitions at the origin of an invasive fungal pathogen in the genus Cryphonectria

This study compares genomes of Cryphonectria species to understand the genetic basis of pathogenicity evolution, finding gene loss in carbohydrate metabolism and retention of wood colonization abilities in C. parasitica.

Testing the pathogenic potential of Cryphonectria parasitica and related species on three common European Fagaceae

This study tests the pathogenic potential of three Cryphonectria species on three European Fagaceae hosts, finding C. parasitica causes the most damage to chestnut.

Emergence and diversification of a highly invasive chestnut pathogen lineage across south-eastern Europe

The paper sequences 188 genomes of the chestnut blight fungus to show how an invasive lineage emerged from a diverse European population and expanded clonally in south-eastern Europe.