Pines dieback caused by Cenangium ferruginosum Fr. in Slovakia in 2012

Abstract

Serious pine dieback was reported in early spring 2012 from several localities in Slovakia. Needle and bark
necrosis turning to twig cankers were the most conspicuous symptoms. There were no or at least not significant
damages caused by bark beetles, leaf eating insects, root rots neither tracheomycosis. Sphaeropsis sapinea
(Fr.) Dyko & B. Sutton was also excluded as the main pest agent, which played an important role in Pinus
nigra Arnold dieback from 2000 to 2007. Laboratory examination revealed Cenangium ferruginosum Fr. as
the agent responsible for that dieback. The knowledge on the pine dieback based on the field investigation
and laboratory studies are presented and the reasons of the predisposing factors are discussed in the following
paper.