Biological and morphological characters of Chalara fraxinea T. Kowalski
https://doi.org/10.69536/FKR.2026.20.73.003
Abstract
The article provides information on the agent of ash dieback Chalara fraxinea T. Kowalski (teleomorph Hymenoscyphus fraxineus (T. Kowalski) Baral, Queloz & Hosoya 2014). This disease poses a serious threat to forestry and biodiversity. It is noted that the pathogen is native to East Asia, where it affects native ash species as an endophyte. However, when introduced to the European continent, it led to the death of up to 90% of ash stands. Based on an analysis of literary data and our own observations, information is provided on the geographic distribution of the pathogen (32 European countries and three Asian countries), the range of host plants (12 ash species and species of the Oleaceae family), biological characters (life cycle with anamorphic and teleomorphic stages), the conditions for the formation of apothecia and ascospores, and pathways. The main damage symptoms, as well as the cultural and morphological characters of the pathogen’s teleomorphs and anamorphs, are systematized. The article includes the author’s illustrations.
About the Authors
L. V. Zaitseva
All-Russian Plant Quarantine Center (FGBU “VNIIKR”)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Lidiya Zaitseva, Junior Researcher, Center for Collective Use “Molecular Genetics”
Bykovo, Ramenskoye, Moscow Oblast, 140150
A. V. Kamchenkov
All-Russian Plant Quarantine Center (FGBU “VNIIKR”)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Alexander Kamchenkov, Head of Mycology Laboratory, Testing Laboratory Center
Bykovo, Ramenskoye, Moscow Oblast, 140150
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Review
For citations:
Zaitseva L.V., Kamchenkov A.V. Biological and morphological characters of Chalara fraxinea T. Kowalski. Plant Health and Quarantine. 2026;(2):35-43. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.69536/FKR.2026.20.73.003
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