First record of Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus (Chalara fraxinea) in Ukraine
In Ukraine symptoms of ash dieback were noted for the first time in 2010. Studies were conducted in May and September 2010 in the regions of Kharkiv and Sumy (Eastern Ukraine). Samples (shoots and leaf petioles) were collected from symptomatic and asymptomatic ash trees (Fraxinus excelsior) growing in mixed forest plantations and shelter belts dominated by Quercus robur and F. excelsior. Laboratory analysis (PCR, sequencing) confirmed the presence of Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus (anamorph: Chalara fraxinea – EPPO Alert List) in symptomatic samples. Results also showed that H. pseudoalbidus was present in a low proportion (5.6%) of symptomatic shoots. This is the first time that H. pseudoalbidus is reported from Ukraine.
The situation of Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus can be described as follows: Present, first found in 2010 in the Eastern part of the country (Kharkiv and Sumy regions).
Sources
Davydenko K, Vasaitis R, Stenlid J, Menkis A (2013) Fungi in foliage and shoots of Fraxinus excelsior in eastern Ukraine: a first report on Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus. Forest Pathology. doi:10.1111/efp.12055.