New invasive specie of Mycosphaerella dearnessii in the composition of mycobiota of pine needles in the territory of Belarus

Abstract

Different pines species are heavily infected with fungal pathogens all over the world, some of them are alien species for European region. The potential invasion of alien species into forests, forest nurseries, urban greeneries causes great concern among Belarusian phytopathologists. In this regard, in recent years local scientists have been monitoring the phytosanitary state of natural and managed plantations to identify alien species. The aim of this investigation was to monitor the phytosanitary state of conifers in botanical and dendrological gardens, urban plantations and tree nurseries in the Republic of Belarus, and assessment of the incidence of alien pathogens of pines. There were used light microscopy and molecular genetic techniques. As a result of our research the brown spot needle blight fungus, Mycosphaerella dearnessii was for the first time noted in the region of the Republic of Belarus in a consignment of imported plants of pines Pinus mugo, Pinus nigra, Pinus ponderosa. The disease was revealed both on young and adult plants in botanical gardens and nurseries. In the forests, urban greeneries Mycosphaerella dearnessii is currently not identified. The fungus affects not only the old, but also young needles, strongly inhibiting the growth of trees. Based on the investigation results we suppose that this disease can be dangerous for pinetums in our country.