Distribution of Biscogniauxia mediterranea and its potential insect vectors on Quercus suber in Southwestern Bulgaria

Abstract

This is the first study in Bulgaria on the distribution of Biscogniauxia mediterraneа in cork oak plantations (Quercus suber). Symptoms of the disease (presence of exudate and wounds with stroma) caused by the fungus have been found on stems and branches of cork oak in Maleshevska Mountain. Harvesting of cork does not visibly affect the phytosanitary status of the trees. A significantly higher risk of parasitic fungus development occurs in coppice-managed crops where it causes the death of young trees. The associations of ten insect species with the Quercus suber are new for Bulgaria. Eight of them are possible vectors of the fungus.