Relationships between soil factors, <i>Quercus robur</i> health, <i>Collybia fusipes</i> root infection and <i>Phytophthora</i> presence

Abstract

About sixty oaks (Quercus robur), with different status of crown health, located in three plots in north eastern France were assessed for their degree of infection by C. fusipes. Baiting of Phytophthora spp. from soil was carried out at different seasons in a sub sample of these oaks. The variability of soil characteristics, such as depth to waterlogging signs and depth to a gravel layer limiting rooting was evaluated. Soil factors were tightly correlated. Infection induced by C. fusipes was significantly more severe in non-waterlogged conditions. In two plots Phytophthora spp. were present at the base of the majority of trees investigated. Success of Phytophthora isolation was significantly linked with the season. The crown health status deteriorates with increasing severity of infection by C. fusipes and with the depth to waterlogging. Conversely, Phytophthora was not correlated with crown health status.