Abstract
AbstractAilanthus altissima is an invasive alien species in Europe. Biological control of this tree species by Verticillium nonalfalfae is a potential alternative control approach. This study investigates host specificity, pathogenicity and transmission of V. nonalfalfae to neighbouring plants with root contact in mini‐ecosystems. V. nonalfalfae led to dieback of all inoculated Ailanthus trees. Furthermore, V. nonalfalfae was transmitted to neighbouring Ailanthus trees, causing wilt and dieback, and, in one case, to Quercus petraea, which did not display any disease symptoms. Lastly, V. nonalfalfae could not be detected in the soil, which suggests transmission via root contact.
Highlights
Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle (Simaroubaceae), hereafter referred to as Ailanthus, is a deciduous tree originating from Asia (China)
V. nonalfalfae was transmitted to neighbouring Ailanthus trees, causing wilt and dieback, and, in one case, to Quercus petraea, which did not display any disease symptoms
V. nonalfalfae could not be detected in the soil, which suggests transmission via root contact
Summary
Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle (Simaroubaceae), hereafter referred to as Ailanthus, is a deciduous tree originating from Asia (China). V. nonalfalfae was transmitted to neighbouring Ailanthus trees, causing wilt and dieback, and, in one case, to Quercus petraea, which did not display any disease symptoms. Verticillium nonalfalfae is a well- known soil-borne, vascular wilt pathogen on various plant species, with A. altissima being a very susceptible host (Kasson et al, 2015).
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