Cordyceps cateniannulata: An endophyte of coffee, a parasite of coffee leaf rust and a pathogen of coffee pests

• Published in: Fungal biology 2024-08, Vol.128 (5), p.1917-1932
• Main Authors: Pereira, Caio M., Bautz, Keminy R., Rodríguez, María del Carmen H., Saavedra-Tobar, Laura M., Kapeua-Ndacnou, Miraine, Belachew-Bekele, Kifle, Elliot, Simon L., Evans, Harry C., Barreto, Robert W.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological control; Coffee berry borer; Coffee leaf miner; Host range; phylogenetics, taxonomy
• ISSN: 1878-6146; 1878-6162
• DOI: 10.1016/j.funbio.2024.05.004

Here, we report on a Cordyceps species entering into a multi-trophic, multi-kingdom association. Cordyceps cateniannulata, isolated from the stem of wild Coffea arabica in Ethiopia, is shown to function as an endophyte, a mycoparasite and an entomopathogen. A detailed polyphasic taxonomic study, including a multilocus phylogenetic analysis, confirmed its identity. An emended description of C. cateniannulata is provided herein. Previously, this species was known as a pathogen of various insect hosts in both the Old and New World. The endophytic status of C. cateniannulata was confirmed by re-isolating it from inoculated coffee plants. Inoculation studies have further shown that C. cateniannulata is a mycoparasite of Hemileia vastatrix, as well as an entomopathogen of major coffee pests; infecting and killing Hypothenemus hampei and Leucoptera coffeella. This is the first record of C. cateniannulata from Africa, as well as an endophyte and a mycoparasite. The implications for its use as a biocontrol agent are discussed. •An unprecedented case of multi-kingdom host-jumping is reported in Cordyceps.•This is the first record of C. cateniannulata from Africa and as an endophyte.•The fungus was isolated from the stem of wild Coffea arabica in Ethiopia.•Endophytic, mycoparasitic, and entomopathogenic abilities were proven experimentally.•The fungus offers novel biocontrol options for the management of coffee pests and diseases.