Gremmeniella abietina. [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria].
Abstract A description is provided for Gremmeniella abietina. Information is included on the disease caused by the organism, its transmission, geographical distribution, and hosts. HOSTS: The host range is almost completely confined to species of spruce and pine. The following have been recorded: Picea abies, P. mariana, P. rubens, Pinus cembra, P. monticola, P. mugo, P. nigra var. austriaca, P. nigra var. maritima, P. pinaster, P. strobus, P. sylvestris, P. contorta, P. radiata, P. resinosa, P. sabiniana, P. banksiana, Pseudotsuga menziesii. DISEASE: Brunchorstia dieback of pines. The disease is typified by the death of the growing point and the apical needles of the lower branches of pine and spruce. Under severe conditions the disease can affect all the foliage of the host, which may die. The fungus forms pycnidia on infected terminal buds and at the base of needles. Trees 10-20 yr of age typically affected in Europe. It can also cause serious nursery losses. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Europe (Scandinavia, Britain, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Italy, Austria, USSR, Finland); N. America (east Canada, north-east USA). (CMI Map 423, ed. 2, 1968). TRANSMISSION: By conidia liberated from pycnidia on infected tissues under wet conditions, when they are dispersed by a splash mechanism. Ascospores appear to be relatively unimportant in the spread of the disease.