SAS Ecologists Find That Up to 60 Percent of Pine Trees in Slovakia Are Infected
Slovakia is one of the European countries where researchers have detected the fungus Lophodermium. Modern DNA analyses now show that this pathogen is damaging even more pine trees than previously assumed. Preliminary studies of Lophodermium isolates (sequencing of the ITS region = DNA analysis) revealed considerable variability. The Institute of Forest Ecology of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAS) has been studying this problem for several years, and current findings indicate that the fungus is spreading both in urban areas and in forests.
“Pines are the second most important genus of coniferous trees in Slovakia. They cover roughly 6.6% of forested land, with Scots pine being the most widespread species. Pines are threatened by microscopic fungal pathogens capable of causing serious damage. We have seen an increase in their occurrence across several regions of Slovakia, especially in Záhorie, Gemer, and Spiš,” says Zdenko Farkaš of the Institute of Forest Ecology SAS.
Climate change is the primary reason for the growing prevalence of these fungi. The latest DNA research makes it possible to detect L. seditiosum and L. pinastri directly in needle tissue. Through molecular analyses, the researchers extracted DNA from 200 samples collected from 19 pine species across 75 locations in Slovakia.
“Our research showed that more than half of the monitored trees (59.5%) were infected either with L. pinastri, L. seditiosum, or with both species simultaneously. The monitoring results revealed no significant differences between forest and urban stands,” adds Farkaš.
Trees are therefore simultaneously exposed to several pathogens, which further worsens their condition. Infection causes branch wilting and thinning in the lower crown. Damage to needles reduces the tree’s photosynthetic activity, and the weakening becomes more evident during winter and dry periods. The aesthetic value of the trees also declines. Certain species of Lophodermium can kill young pine trees within a single year.
“Many species of the genus Lophodermium also live asymptomatically as endophytes inside pine needles for part of their life cycle and could potentially help protect pines against disease and premature needle drop. However, to understand the significance of these endophytic species, we must first determine their identity so that we can study their ecology and behavior. If we want to protect pines, we need a systematic approach rather than reacting only when visible damage appears,” explains Katarína Adamčíková of the Institute of Forest Ecology SAS.
A crucial step is prevention: using healthy planting material, selecting resistant individuals, and thoroughly removing infected needle litter from around trees. In gardens and nurseries, targeted spraying also plays a role—especially in years when spring and summer are warm and humid.
Contact person: Eva Sládková, PR Manager, Institute of Forest Ecology SAS, +421903576184, evasladkova48@gmail.com