Susceptibility of common tree species in Sweden to Phytophthora cactorum,P. cambivora and P. plurivora

In Sweden, invasive Phytophthora pathogens have been recognized as a growing threat to urban and production forests, calling for an urgent update of regeneration strategies for infested areas. Stem inoculation tests were performed to test the relative susceptibility of common conifer and broadleaved tree species Pinus sylvestris, Picea abies, Larix x eurolepis, Betula pendula, Quercus robur, Fagus sylvatica, Populus trichocarpa and Tilia cordata to the root pathogens Phytophthora cactorum, P. cambivora and P. plurivora commonly isolated from Swedish soils. Results indicate that all the species tested were susceptible and formed lesions following stem inoculation with all three Phytophthora species, but to varying degrees. Of particular interest are the high levels of susceptibility in P. trichocarpa to all three Phytophthora species compared to other tested tree species.