Plant Pathology Science

Oak charcoal rot is caused by two fungi, Biscogniauxia mediterranea and Obolarina persica. These fungi, which are opportunistic or secondary invaders and attack stressful trees, are one of the main problems of oak forests in Iran. The disease was first reported in 2011 in the northern forests on Quercus castaneifolia and Zelkova carpinifolia trees and then in the Zagros forests on Q. brantii tree. The disease has spread rapidly in the forests of the Zagros over the years. Symptoms of the disease include decay and death of trees, browning of leaves and early fall. Gum secretion on the branches and trunks of old trees and browning of wood texture and woody vessels can be seen up and down the height of the trunk. The morphological characteristics of pathogens, the spread and survival of pathogens, and disease management methods are described in this article.