Summary Within the scope of a research project on the condition of roots of declining oaks (Quercus robur, Quercus petraea), samples of fine roots and surrounding soil, specimens of stripe cankers on the stem base, and samples of stream water were examined for the presence of Phytophthora species using both baiting methods and selective agar media. At 27 sites in Germany (Bavaria, Rheinland‐Pfalz, Schleswig‐Holstein), Switzerland, Hungary, Italy and Slovenia the following species were isolated (mainly from soil): Phytophthora citricola, Phytophthora cactorum, Phytophthora cambivora, Phytophthora gon‐apodyides, Phytophthora undulata, a species with affinity to Phytophthora drechsleri, and two additional species with close affinity to the Phytophthora cactorum group. Moreover, Pythium group P, Pythium anandrum, Pythium chamaehyphon, and many other Pythium species that have not yet been identified could be recovered. In a soil infestation test most isolates induced dieback of long root tips and necrotic lesions in the root cortex and at the root collar of Quercus robur seedlings. All Phytophthora species tested and Pythium group P caused cortical necrosis after stem inoculation of young Quercus robur trees. It could be shown in vitro that Phytophthora gonapodyides and Pythium group P were able to produce a wilting toxin. Nitrogen input and climatic changes are discussed as predisposing factors for root damage observed in the field.

Summary Thirty‐one fungi, members of Ascomycota and Deuteromycota, were isolated from cones/seeds of 28 hosts (Pinus spp.) originating from East Asia, Europe and North America, and growing at the Montreal Botanical Garden, Canada. A total of 21 taxa of these isolated fungi are considered pathogens. The damage severity was most prevalent on Diploxylon pines of European provenance (Pinus nigra, Pinus mugo and Pinus sylvestris), and one indigenous North American species (Pinus albicaulis). Twelve fungi occurred on different hosts, i.e. Sphaeropsis sapinea (12), Herpotrichia juniperi (8), Truncatella hartigii (7), Ceuthospora sp. (5), Fusarium, spp. (5), Pestalotiopsis funerea (3), Phomopsis sp. (3), Valsa spp. (anamorph. Cytospora) (3), Diaporthe sp. (3), Fusicoccum sp. (2) and Sirococcus strobilinus (2). Sphaeropsis sapinea, Herpotrichia juniperi, Phomopsis conorum, Truncatella hartigii, Tubercularia sp. and Valsa spp. were related to high cone and seed damage. For the most frequently observed Sphaeropsis sapinea damage, the subgenus Haploxylon was less susceptible than Diploxylon, and P. sylvestris less than P. nigra and P. mugo. Pinus resinosa showed more tolerance to S. sapinea. Truncatella hartigii was more frequently associated with necrotic lesions on cones/seeds in comparison with Pestalotiopsis funerea. The results are discussed in the context of arboretum, seed orchard, nursery and quarantine management.

This paper reports the identification of fatty acids in elm wood and its active extractives triggering coremia formation, their distribution between bark, sapwood and heartwood of elms, and their occurrence in the mycelium of the pathogen.

The environmental (temperature, pH, and light) and nutritional (carbon sources) factors that affect the inhibition of mycelial growth of Venturia inaequalis by five fungi (Aureobasidium sp. (P26A), unidentified fungus (P28A), Phoma sp. (P59A), Phoma sp. (P66A), and Ophiostoma sp. (P164A)) were evaluated. Cold temperatures slightly reduced the inhibition of V. inaequalis by Phoma sp. (P66A). A neutral pH increased the inhibition by the unidentified isolates and by a Phoma sp. (P66A). Continuous darkness enhanced the inhibition of the pathogen by the isolate Aureobasidium sp., and continuous light favored the inhibition by the Phoma sp. (P66A). The conidial germination of V. inaequalis was significantly reduced by all the isolates, and the inhibition was stronger closer to the fungal colony. Ophiostoma sp. inhibited 100% of the pathogen's growth regardless of temperature, pH, and light regime. Only the presence of peptone in the medium diminished the inhibition by 8%. Since Ophiostoma sp. strongly inhibited V. inaequalis (92–100% inhibition) and was not influenced by environmental and nutritional conditions, this fungal isolate could be considered in the development of a biocontrol agent against the apple scab pathogen. Key words: apple scab, biological control, environment, nutrition.

As a part of a broader study on biological control of apple scab, caused by Venturia inaequalis, a collection of 183 microorganisms originating from apple leaf litter was evaluated for their inhibitory effects on the vegetative growth of V. inaequalis. In a first screening, based on dual culture, 31 isolates (17%) showed inhibition. From these isolates, 11 fungi were selected for quantitative evaluation based on the presence of a distinct zone of inhibition. The selected fungi were evaluated again, in a more precise test, which indicated that isolates P164A (Ophiostoma sp.), P66A (Chaetophoma sp.), P26A (Aureobasidium sp.), P59A (Phoma sp.), and P28A (unidentified) inhibited 95.3, 88.9, 85.8, 80.7, and 80.1% of mycelial growth, respectively. Inhibition by the most effective fungus (Ophiostoma sp.) lasted for more than 58 days. A test using culture filtrates, incubated over time, was carried out to determine whether the living fungus was a prerequisite for inhibition. The inhibitory effect of metabolites secreted by the selected fungi was less than 5%. This study revealed the potential of at least five fungi that could be considered in the development of a biological control agent against V. inaequalis. Key words: antifungal inhibition, apple scab, biological control.