London's Natural History Museum Unveils 407-Million-Year-Old Disease-Causing Fungus: Potteromyces Asteroxylicola

The esteemed Natural History Museum of London has recently made a groundbreaking discovery by unveiling fossil collections that showcase what is being hailed as the oldest disease-causing fungus. This remarkable 407-million-year-old fungus has been named Potteromyces asteroxylicola, in honor of the beloved author Beatrix Potter, known for her iconic Tales of Peter Rabbit and her passion for fungi. The findings, detailed in a paper titled "A fungal plant pathogen discovered in the Devonian Rhynie Chert" and published in Nature Communications, shed light on Potter's pioneering drawings and studies on fungal growth, positioning her as a significant figure in the field of mycology.

The fossil samples containing Potteromyces were sourced from the Rhynie Chert, a crucial geological site located in Scotland. This site is renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved Early Devonian communities of plants and animals, including fungi and bacteria. Through collaboration with mycologists at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, the study suggests a historical precedent for disease-causing fungi similar to those that affect the ash trees in the United Kingdom.

Dr. Christine Strullu-Derrien, the lead author of the study and a Scientific Associate at the Natural History Museum, remarked on the significance of this discovery. She stated, "Although other fungal parasites have been identified in this area previously, this is the first instance of one causing disease in a plant.

Furthermore, Potteromyces can serve as a valuable reference point for dating the evolution of various fungal groups, such as the Ascomycota, which is the largest fungal phylum." Paying homage to Beatrix Potter by naming this remarkable species after her is a fitting tribute to her extraordinary work and dedication to unraveling the mysteries of fungi, as per Christine. The initial discovery of a Potteromyces specimen was made by Christine in 2015.

Its reproductive structures, called conidiophores, displayed a unique shape and formation that had not been observed before. The confirmation of this new species came when a second specimen, showcasing the distinctive nature of the fungus, was found in the collections of the National Museums of Scotland on another slide from the Rhynie Chert. Christine highlighted the role of technology, such as confocal microscopy, in unlocking more secrets from fossils housed in museum collections like those at the Natural History Museum.

She also expressed her continued enthusiasm for exploring the Rhynie Chert site, emphasizing that there is still much to discover from this extraordinary location. In conclusion, the discovery of Potteromyces asteroxylicola represents a significant milestone in the study of ancient fungi and their impact on plant health. The intersection of paleontology, mycology, and literature in this discovery showcases the diverse and interconnected nature of scientific fields.

Beatrix Potter's legacy continues to inspire and influence research across various disciplines, highlighting the enduring relevance of her work and passion for the natural world.