Phaeoacremonium species associated with olive wilt and decline in southern Italy

• DOI: 10.1007/s10658-014-0573-8
• Publication Date: 2014-12-19T11:23:17Z
• Authors: Antonia Carlucci; F. Lops; F. Cibelli; M. L. Raimondo
• Keywords: Olea; Olive trees

Six Phaeoacremonium species (spp.) were isolated from symptomatic wood of olive trees (Olea europea) in Apulia (southern Italy) that showed crown wilt and twig branch dieback. These spp. identified according to their morphological characteristics by analyses partial sequences the actin β-tubulin genes. Combining these cultural, molecular data, three are already known be responsible for severe decline Apulia, aleophilum, alvesii parasiticum, together with other associated first time wilt, dieback orchards Italy worldwide: italicum, sicilianum scolyti. To understand confirm involvement trees, pathogenicity assays performed on shoots young plants. The data indicate all six can cause discolouration, necrotic wood, death shoots, although different levels virulence observed, Pm. aleophilum producing greater lesions than investigated here.