José Julio Rodriguez Aguilar

Prof. José Julio Rodriguez Aguilar

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

1Year (2026-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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25 February 2026 in Pathogens
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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JAJosé Julio Rodriguez Aguilar
José Julio Rodriguez Aguilar
JMJuan Mendoza-Churape
Juan Mendoza-Churape
ESErwin Saul Navarrete Saldaña
Erwin Saul Navarrete Saldaña
YMYURIXHI ATENEA RAYA MONTAÑO
YURIXHI ATENEA RAYA MONTAÑO
MVMargarita Vargas-Sandoval
Margarita Vargas-Sandoval
Woody tissue diseases of avocado (Persea americana Mill. var. Hass) pose a major phytosanitary threat due to their chronic progression, late symptom expression, and severe impact on tree stability and productivity. Although white rot has traditionally been attributed to saprobic basidiomycetes, increasing evidence suggests corticioid fungi may act as facultative pathogens in agricultural systems. This study examined corticioid basidiomycetes associated with white rot in stems and branches of avocado in Michoacán, Mexico. Field surveys revealed consistent symptoms of structural weakening, branch dieback, and wood decay. Fungal isolates obtained from symptomatic tissues and sporomes were characterized morphologically and identified through ITS-based phylogenetic analyses. Representative isolates of Grammothele spp. and Dentocorticium portoricense were evaluated in pathogenicity assays under controlled conditions. All isolates reproduced field symptoms, confirming pathogenicity, though aggressiveness varied. D. portoricense exhibited the highest incidence, severity, and AUDPC values, indicating greater virulence, while Grammothele isolates showed slower, moderate progression. Phylogenetic analyses provided robust support for D. portoricense, whereas Grammothele was resolved at genus level. Integration of field, pathogenicity, and molecular data demonstrates corticioid fungi are not merely secondary saprotrophs but relevant pathogens in avocado white rot. These findings highlight the need to include corticioid fungi in diagnostic, monitoring, and management strategies for trunk and branch diseases.