ZLV Online

Abstract

In this study, presence of ophiostomatiod fungi (absence, presence) on wood cross-section samples (total 72) from freshly cut Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) trees (total 24) at four sites (Valtice, Příšťpo, Brodce, Vrbová Lhota) affected by long-term drought was evaluated in relation to: sampling period (spring, summer, autumn), tree age (30–40, 50–90 years), wood sample origin (bottom trunk, middle trunk, twigs), tree defoliation (>25–60%, >60–99%), and presence of other taxa. Ophiostomatoid fungi were present on 33% wood cross-section samples from 50% trees. Presence of ophiostomatoid fungi was significantly different in relation to sampling period (i.e. the highest in autumn, the lowest in spring), and was directly proportional to both presence of mites and Nematocera larvae; it was insignificantly different in relation to site, tree age, wood sample origin, defoliation, and presence of other taxa. These results show: (1) frequent presence of ophiostomatoid fungi in wood tissues of Scots pine trees, (2) insignificant effect of ophiostomatoid fungi on health status of the trees, (3) relationship of presence of ophiostomatoid fungi with both presence of mites and Nematocera larvae.