Archivio Journal of Plant Pathology

Abstract:

Pathogenicity of four Armillaria species (A. ostoyae, A. mellea, A. gallica and A. tabescens) was investigated on seedlings and young trees of Quercus cerris, Q. frainetto, Q. ilex, Q. macrolepis, Q. pubescens and Q. trojana in the glasshouse and in the field. The inoculation was made by wounding the main root and inserting a woody inoculum previously colonised by the fungus. Data, related to the evaluation of infection extent and plant decline, were collected one and four years after inoculation. The results were analysed statistically. Although A. mellea and A. gallica proved to be the most virulent species, especially on Q. macrolepis, both seedlings and young trees in most cases recovered. This result confirms the secondary role played by Armillaria in oak decline and suggests oak use for forestation without fear of serious failure due to Armillaria root rot in suitable site conditions.