Exploring fungal pathogens to control the plant invasive Rubus niveus on Galapagos Island San Cristobal.

ABSTRACT: The Galapagos ecosystem faces threats from invasive species displacing native and endemic species. Rubus niveus (Hill raspberry) is particularly problematic invasive plant, covering approximately 30,000 hectares across the archipelago and rapidly outcompeting native vegetation. Current control methods, such as manual removal and herbicide application, have proven ineffective. This research aimed to identify endemic fungi pathogenic to R. niveus for potential population suppression. To achieve this goal, we sampled leaves, fruits, and stems of R. niveus in the agricultural areas of San Cristobal, Galapagos. Microbiome composition analysis of healthy and diseased R. niveus leaves revealed differences in fungal communities, representing a greater abundance of pathogenic genera in diseased tis

SUBMITTER: Barriga-Medina N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12214823 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature