Phytophthora diseases: Mal del Ciprés

Abstract

Mal del cipres. Other names: Mountain cypress disease, Causal Agent: Phytophthora austrocedri Gresl. & E.M. Hansen. Hosts: Austrocedrus chilensis, Juniperus communis. Distribution: Southwestern South América, South of Argentina (Patagonia) and Chile, in native Austrocedrus chilensis forests. Also northern Britain, in native Juniperus communis woodlands.Austrocedrus chilensis, native and endemic to southern South America, and Juniperus communis, which has a broad circumpolar boreo-temperate distribution in the northern hemisphere, are very susceptible to P. austrocedri. The pathogen has also been reported affecting planted individuals of Chamaecyparis spp. in Scotland, and laboratory studies have demonstrated the susceptibility of two other South American native Cupressaceae (Fitzroya cupressoides and Pilgerodendron uviferum). The origin of P. austrocedri has not been determined but current evidence suggests that it has been introduced to the ecosystems where it has been reported.