Phytophthora ilicis

Phytophthora • Pythiales • Oomycota • fungal-like organisms • plant diseases • pests-diseases-weeds

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Phytophthora ilicis symptoms on Ilex aquifolium in mountain forests of the Mediterranean islands Corsica and Sardinia (click on image to enlarge it)
Author(s): B. Scanu
Source: Persoonia 2018, vol. 40, p. 207

symptoms of Phytophthora ilicis infection on holly leaf
Author(s): James K. Lindsey
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Phytophthora ilicis Buddenhagen & R.A. Young 1957 - (twig dieback of holly)

This oomycete is found in western North America (first record in 1954) and in several countries of Europe (first records in 1980s). It has been suggested that it is endemic to the Mediterranean region and has later spread mainly through human activity since most initial records were from plantings like parks, gardens and nurseries (Jung et al., 2018).

P. ilicis infects holly trees/shrubs (Ilex), causing leaf blight, bleeding cankers, necrotic twig lesions, defoliation and dieback. In severe cases it results in defoliation, starting with the lower branches. However, unlike many other Phytophthora species, no symptoms have been reported from roots or the collar region of the trees. P. ilicis appears to favour cool and moist conditions and is largely inactive during the summer.