First report of Brenneria goodwinii and Gibbsiella quercinecans in Slovakia
In the EPPO region, acute oak decline has been associated with abiotic factors, as well as with the presence of Agrilus biguttatus (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) and a complex of bacterial species, mainly Brenneria goodwinii, Gibbsiella quercinecans and Rahnella victoriana (see EPPO RS 2018/104, RS 2018/126, RS 2022/134, RS 2024/175).
Studies were carried out in Slovakia to identify the causal agents of oak decline in the country. Twenty symptomatic trees were sampled in 14 sites, in the eastern part of the country. Brenneria goodwinii and Gibbsiella quercinecans were detected in 10 and 3 trees respectively. This is the first time that these two bacteria are detected in Slovakia in association with declining oaks.
Sources
Tkaczyk M, Sikora K, Galko J (2024) First report of bacteria causing Acute Oak Decline on Quercus robur in Slovakia. European Journal of Plant Pathology 169(1), 113-20.