First report of Brenneria goodwinii and Gibbsiella quercinecans bacteria, detected on weaken oak trees in Poland

Abstract

The decline of oak stands is a phenomenon that has been observed since the beginning of the 20th century in many European countries. It can be caused both with abiotic factors such as drought and fluctuations in groundwater levels, as well as biotic factors such as infestations by insects, fungi and bacteria. Acute Oak Decline (AOD) is an dangerous disease of oak trees which was first observed in the XX century. From the moment the first symptoms were noticed, the disease is able to kill trees in up to 6 years. Two species of bacteria, Brebberia goodwinii and Gibsiella quercinecand, are considered as one of the infectious agents of AOD. The decline of Quercs robur was reported from a weakened stand from the Chojnow Forest District. Symptomatic exudates were sampled and subjected to laboratory analysis. Using the Real time PCR, bacteria Brenneria goodwinii and Gibsiella quercinecans were confirmed in two out of seven collected field samples. This report is the first information on the observation of these bacteria in weakened stands with the participation of Quercus robur in Poland. Keywords: Quercus robur, bacteria, Brenneria goodwinii, Gibsiella quercinecans, real time PCR, Acute Oak Decline