Diplodia scrobiculata : a latent pathogen of Pinus radiata reported in northern Spain

Abstract

Pinus radiata is a species native to the Central Coast of California and Mexico. Plantations in the northern Spain showing Diplodia shoot blight were studied aiming to confirm its casual agents. Both symptomatic and asymptomatic trees were sampled. Isolates obtained were morphological and molecularly characterized confirming their identity. Diplodia scrobiculata was detected on samples from asymptomatic trees. Pathogenicity to Pinus radiata was proved under controlled conditions. This is the first report of virulent Diplodia scrobiculata in asymptomatic Pinus radiata in Spain.