Detection and identification of Phytophthora alni.

In 2004 Brasier et al. described new species--Phytophthora alni, which was especially aeggressive to alder. Now, this Phytophthora disease of alder is widely distributed in Europe as well as in Poland. In this research note we report on identification and detection of P. alni from water and soil samples using PCR method with species-specific primers. Dilution series of P. alni zoospore were used to test the potential sensitivity of the PCR detection methods. Zoospores of P. alni were produced by flooding of 1-week-old Frozen Pea Medium (FPM) cultures in Petri dishes with 30 ml distilled water. The dishes were incubated at 20 degrees C. After 5 days, sporangial production was checked using a binocular microscope and plates were placed at 4 degrees C for 1 h to enhance zoospore release. Zoospores were counted under the microscope using Burker's cabin. A dilution series of zoospores ranging from 5 to 5000 per 200 microl was prepared in autoclaved distilled water and in 1 g samples of autoclaved soil. DNA was extracted from artificially infected water and soil, and purified using the CleanUp Kit (A&A Biotechnology). Zoospores of P. alni in the water were detected by PCR in 5 x 10(3), 5 x 10(2), 5 x 10(1) concentrations. In case of detecting spores in the artificially infected soil it succeeded only for two highest concentrations, i.e. 5 x 10(3), 5 x 10(2) and only when the DNA was additionally purified.

Relationship between occurrence of Phytophthora cambivora on plants in hardy ornamental nursery stocks and detection of the pathogen from water ponds.

Phytophthora cambivora was isolated from rooted bases and roots of Castanea sativa, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana and Cotoneaster spp. as well as from water ponds Located in HNS. In the laboratory trials the species colonised leaf blades and stem parts of 3 tested plant species. Differentiated reaction of tested plant species on P. cambivora was observed.

Phytophthora tropicalis on Hedera helix and Epipremnum aureum in Polish greenhouses.

Phytophthora tropicalis was isolated from Hedera helix and Epipremnum aureum showing discoloration of leaves, necrosis of shoot base, spread upwards and on roots. The species was detected from 7/8 plants of Hedera and 3/4 of Epipremnum. Additionally Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium avenaceum and Rhizoctonia solani were recovered from some of diseased plants. P. tropicalis caused leaf necrosis of 13 plant species and tomato seedlings. The quickest spread of necrosis was observed on leaves of Peperomia magnoliaefolia, Pelargonium zonale and Phalaenopsis x hybridum. The disease developed at temperature ranged from 10 degrees to 32.5 degrees C with optimum 30 degrees C.