Distribution, ecology and host range of Armillaria species in Albania

Abstract

Summary Species of Armillaria were identified from 645 isolates obtained in a nation‐wide survey in Albania. The material was collected from ca. 250 permanent plots, established for monitoring forest health, and from forests and orchards attacked by Armillaria. Armillaria mellea s.s. occurred on several coniferous and broadleaved trees in most areas examined, although it was absent above 1100–1200 m in northern Albania. This species damaged Abies and Quercus spp. and, to a lesser extent, other forest trees. Armillaria mellea was also commonly recorded causing damage in orchards and vineyards. Armillaria gallica was a common saprophyte or weak pathogen in coniferous and deciduous forests at altitudes from 600 to 1600 m, and less commonly on oaks at lower altitudes. Armillaria ostoyae was rare in central and southern Albania, but common in northern Albania, causing significant damage to pine and other conifers, mostly at altitudes from 600 to 1800 m. Armillaria cepistipes was recorded at altitudes from 800 to 1800 m as a saprophyte or weak pathogen on conifers and deciduous trees, mostly in beech and silver fir forests. Armillaria tabescens was found in oak forests at altitudes from sea level to 900 m. In orchards, A. tabescens occasionally attacked almond and pear trees. Armillaria borealis was found in a few locations in northern Albania, at altitudes from 800 to 1800 m.

Impacts of exotic forest pathogens on Mediterranean ecosystems: four case studies

“…The case studies presented in this overview are merely the tip of the iceberg of the emerging plant health issues in Mediterranean ecosystems (Ocasio-Morales et al 2007;Moralejo et al 2008Moralejo et al , 2009aVacher et al 2008;Scott et al 2009;Greslebin and Hansen 2010;Lushaj et al 2010). Tree health is reported to be declining from many regions of the world, including those with Mediterranean climate (Allen et al 2010;Fischer et al 2010), and pathogens may play a role in many of these cases.…”

Armillaria ostoyae in managed coniferous forests in Kastamonu in Turkey

“…Keča et al, 2009;Lushaj et al, 2010;Tsopelas, 1999). The presence of Scots pine in the study area may have favoured particularly the occurrence of A. ostoyae, but also that of A. mellea and A. cepistipes, while A. gallica seems to be uncommon on this host in eastern parts of the Mediterranean Basin (cf.…”

“…As this Armillaria species preferentially attacks conifers and stands located at high altitude in the Mediterranean climate Keča et al, 2009;Lushaj et al, 2010;Tsopelas, 1999), its presence was expected, although not as the sole As this Armillaria species preferentially attacks conifers and stands located at high altitude in the Mediterranean climate Keča et al, 2009;Lushaj et al, 2010;Tsopelas, 1999), its presence was expected, although not as the sole…”

“…in the Mediterranean Basin (Keča et al, 2009;Lushaj et al, 2010;Tsopelas, 1999). in the Mediterranean Basin (Keča et al, 2009;Lushaj et al, 2010;Tsopelas, 1999).…”

“…and Korhonen, A. cepistipes Velen., A. gallica Marxm. Herink Keča, Karadžić, & Woodward, 2009;Lushaj, Woodward, Keča, & Intini, 2010;Tsopelas, 1999). ) Kumm., and A. ostoyae (Romagn.)…”