Fungi colonizing shoots of common yew (Taxus baccata L.) in the Jagiellonian University Botanic Garden in Cracow

Abstract

The aim of the investigations was determination the reasons of dying down of needles and branches of common yew (Taxus baccata L.) in the park collection of Botanic Garden of Jagiellonian University in Cracow. The disease changes of infectious nature were observed on the examined plants' parts. The changes'appearance, its location and extent were described in details. At first the spots were brown colour with distinct hem. Then the needle and branch tissues were dying down. From end of May to July mass falling down of infesteted needles was observed. Mycological analysis of diseased tissues showed 34 fungi species. To the dominant species belonged: Alternaria alternata, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, Fusarium spp., Pestalotiopsis guepinii, Phomopsis juniperivora and Zythiostroma pinastri. Common yew pathogens: Phomopsis juniperivora and Sclerophoma pityophila were found among the isolated fungi.

Keywords

• common yew
• Taxus baccata
• needles
• branches
• fungi
• disease symptoms