Ecology of Armillaria species in managed forests and plantations in Serbia

Abstract

The distribution of Armillaria species was investigated in Serbian forest ecosystems, in relation to the main host species attacked, forest-types, geography and altitude. In total, 388 isolates were identified from 36 host species in 47 sites. Armillaria gallica was the most commonly observed species with the widest distribution and with an altitudinal range of 70-1450 m, it was the dominating Armillaria species in lowland alluvial forests and in Quercus and Fagus forests at higher elevations. Armillaria mellea occurred in Quercus spp. -dominated forests in the north and central regions at 70-1050 m. Sixty-eight per cent of the A. mellea isolates were collected from living hosts, most commonly in declining conifer plantations. Armillaria ostoyae was distributed in the cooler coniferous forest types and plantations in the Dinaric Alps in the south of Serbia, at 850-1820 m. Armillaria cepistipes was found in the eastern and southern hilly and mountainous regions of the country, at 600-1900 m. Most isolates were obtained from conifers and rhizomorphs in the soil around decaying stumps. Armillaria tabescens was found only on dead oak material in the northern and eastern regions of the country at altitudes lower than 600 m.

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.)…”

Eight microsatellite markers for Armillaria cepistipes and their transferability to other Armillaria species

“…A. mellea, A. ostoyae, A. gallica, A. cepistipes, and A. borealis), which differ in geographical and ecological distribution, host range, and pathogenicity (Guillaumin et al 1993). Frequently, different Armillaria species coexist sympatrically in the same forest stand (Prospero et al 2003;Keča et al 2009). In mixed mountainous coniferous forests in Central Europe, A. cepistipes is the most widespread rhizomorph-producing Armillaria species (Legrand et al 1996;Rigling et al 1998).…”