Phytophthora root and crown rot of fruit trees in Bulgaria.

Phytophthora root and crown rot was found on the fruit trees in Bulgaria for the first time in the period 1998-1999. Monitoring of the disease spread from 2000 to 2007 points out incidence between 2 and 14 per cent, in some orchards and nurseries in the Southern part of Bulgaria. The following Phytophthora species were identified based on morphological and cultural characteristics, and temperature requirements: Phytophthora cactorum, Phytophthora citrophthora, Phytophthora drechsleri, Phytophthora cryptogea, Phytophthora hybrid specie and Pythium. Prevailing specie was P. cactorum. P. cryptogea and P. cactorum were confirmed by application of molecular methods. Nutritional requirements of P. cactorum and P. citrophthora were studied. Most Nitrogen sources stimulated the mycelial growth of P. cactorum to a higher extend, and reduced the colony size of P. citrophthora. Different Carbon sources were utilized well by P. cactorum, and only saccharose and maltose had a stimulating effect on the mycelial growth of P. citrophthora. MgSO4.7H2O was the preferred sulfur source for both fungi, as L-cysteine and L-methionine only for P. cactorum. Phytophthora infection leads to physiological changes in the host plant tissues. The tendency traced out is: about disorders in the amino acid metabolism, increase in the total sugars and slight reduction of the cellulose content. The total nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content are reduced and the calcium and magnesium are increased. Photosynthesis of inoculated plants was suppressed and transpiration was increased.