Occurrence of Phytophthora species in the management unit „Turjak-Vršine'

Numerous studies have shown that several Phytophthora species are directly connected with the tree decline in various forests, and that these organisms are the main cause of decay and loss of fine roots, necrosis as well as of the wounds of mother roots. Due to the previously recorded symptoms and high risk to forestry and biodiversity posed by the presence of these species, a study was performed in the Forest Estate „Šumarstvo“ - Raška, in the forest management unit „Turjak-Vršine“, Forest administration in Novi Pazar. The aims of the research were to isolate and identify the Phytophthora species and their associated hosts. The samples of rhizophere soil, water and necrotic tissues were taken, and the isolation was performed according to a known methodology, using baits and direct setting of tissue culture on the media. Eleven hosts were tested, five hosts were positive and a total of 29 isolates were obtained. The hosts with the most isolates obtained were Alnus glutinosa with 12 and Fagus sylvatica with 7 isolates. The most frequently isolated species was Phytophthora plurivora, which occurred on three hosts. P. cactorum was also obtained, and the identification of five other isolates is currently going on. This is the first record of P. plurivora, P. gonapodyides and Phytophthora spp. on alder trees in Serbia. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 37008: Održivo gazdovanje ukupnim potencijalima šuma u Republici Srbiji]