Diversity of Lophodermium species on pines

Abstract

Multiannual study of needle-cast disease on pines shows that Lophodermium species, as well as other widely-ranging micro-organism species, are characterized by high variability in morphology, physiology, biology pathogenic characters, epiphytotiology and other characteristics, which points to the assumption on the existence of biotypes, forms or still unidentified species in this genus. This paper presents the study results which contribute to the elucidation of the confusion regarding the genus name Lophodermium and the species, biotypes or forms described in the genus.

Keywords

• diversity
• biotype
• form
• bioecology
• Lophodermium pinastri
• L. seditiosum
• L. conigenum
• L. piniexcelsae
• L. australe
• L. nitens