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Phytophthora cactorum

Phytophthora root rot

Description

It was first identified on cacti in 1870 by Lebert and Cohn. The disease is capable of infecting an extremely large number of hosts and is problematic in low-lying or wet field conditions. The disease symptoms in seedlings are russet stains on cotyledons, true leaves and the stem. Humid weather makes the severely infested seedlings collapse, while in dry periods they stay erect a little longer. If the cotyledons and true leaves are not infected heavily, the plant may survive. The phytophthora root rot reproduces with asexual zoospores, with the cycle lasting just a few days. The sexual oospores can resist drought or other harsh conditions over a number of years.

Symptom

Reddish-brown spots on the young leaves and trunks.

Tree Species: Beech

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle

Pest significance: Very harmful

Pest Category: Fungi

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes