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Botryosphaeria dothidea

Fungal disease Botryosphaeria dothidea

Description

Botryosphaeria dothidea is a globally distributed fungal pathogen affecting a wide range of woody plants, including species such as Acacia, Eucalyptus, Vitis (grapevine), and Pistacia (pistachio). It is known to cause various diseases, including twig, branch, and stem cankers, tip and branch dieback, fruit rots, and, in severe cases, host plant death. The fungus often remains latent within host tissues, becoming pathogenic primarily when the plant is under stress from factors like drought, physical damage, or unsuitable growing conditions. In Europe, B. dothidea has been reported on multiple hosts, including Ostrya carpinifolia (European hop hornbeam), indicating its widespread presence across the continent. Infected plants may exhibit reduced vigor, dieback, and unsightly cankers, significantly impacting both their health and aesthetic appearance.

Symptom

Infected plants develop cankers on twigs, branches, and stems; leaves may show lesions; fruits can exhibit rot; and there is often dieback of shoots and branches.

Tree Species: Cypress, Oak, Eucalyptus, Chestnut, Olive, Pistacia, Poplar, Grape

Part of a plant- attacked: Tree trunk, Leaf / Needle, Fruit / Seed, Branch

Pest significance: Very harmful

Pest Category: Fungi

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes