Phytophthora citrophthora, a new pathogen causing decline on horse chestnut in Turkey

Akilli S., Ulubas-Serçe Ç., Katircioǧlu Y., Maden S.

Forest Pathology, vol.42, no.4, pp.299-304, 2012 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 42 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2012
  • Doi Number: 10.1111/j.1439-0329.2011.00754.x
  • Journal Name: Forest Pathology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.299-304
  • Ankara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Dieback symptoms were observed on horse chestnut trees planted approximately 40years ago in Ankara, Turkey. Lesions at the stem bases of the affected trees were similar to those of ink disease on sweet chestnut. A Phytophthora sp. was isolated from the fine roots and soil samples collected around the stem bases by baiting using chestnut leaves. The pathogen was identified as Phytophthora citrophthora based on several morphological features and DNA sequences of the ITS region. Pathogenicity of P. citrophthora was tested by stem inoculation on 3-year-old horse chestnut saplings. P. citrophthora produced large cankers in 20 days and killed 40% of the saplings. This is the first report of P. citrophthora causing dieback on horse chestnut. © 2011 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.