Endophytic Cenangium ferruginosum (Ascomycota) as a Reservoir for an Epidemic of Cenangium Dieback in Austrian Pine : Root - Soil Interactions in Trees

2000

S. 103-108

10 Lit.Ang.

Unselbständiges Werk

200083840

Endophytic Cenangium ferruginosum were isolated from symptomless needles and buds of Pinus nigra of two age classes (15 and 60-yr-old) from natural stands and plantations in Slovenia. The frequency of colonised needles varied between 0 and 100 % depending on the tree individual, season, needle part (tip, middle part and base of the needles) and age of the needles. However, no statistically significant differences in colonisation could be detected among tree individuals, needles parts and seasons. Thus, age and origin (natural stand or plantation) of trees had no influence on the frequency of colonisation. The variability of colonisation frequencies was mainly due to needle age. One-yr-old needles were significantly (p<0.05) less often colonised by C. ferruginosum than older needles. On average, 9 % of the 1-yr-old, 17 % of the 2-yr-old, 21 % of the 3-yr-old, and 22 % of the 4-yr-old needles were colonised. C. feruginosum could not be isolated from buds. These results suggest that the needles represent reservoirs for the fungus from which it can spread to the twigs when environmental conditions change to the advantage of the fungus and/or the disadvantage of the host.