Phomopsis cancker and dieback of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. from the spontaneous flora of Iasi county, Romania

Abstract

Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia L.) started to be regarded in the last time more as a very useful multipurpose tree species with a high potential for forest land reclamation, rather than a dangerous invasive one. In the perspective of contemporary climate change, characterized by higher temperatures and lower rainfall, Russian olive trees could gain more attention from foresters, ecologists and land managers who should develop an integrated management plan for this species. Nevertheless, due to one of the most serious diseases of Elaeagnus angustifolia L., that is caused by the fungus Phomopsis elaeagni Sandu. (1962) also phytopathologists attention and interest must be increased regarding the Russian olive trees. The disease symptoms were observed in May 2024 on the several branches of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. trees from a spontaneous flora area of Iasi county, Romania. The primary aim of the present study was to identify and at the same time to signal the presence of Phomopsis elaeagni fungus on the Russian olive tree in the mentioned area. In order to confirm the field diagnosis observed several laboratory determination were made, so the fungus can be identified and morphological described.