PHYTOPHTHORA SPP. - RISING THREAT FOR THE NATURAL AND AGRO ECOSYSTEMS IN BULGARIA

S. B. Slavov, A. B. Lyubenova

Abstract: Species from genus Phytophthora are known as pathogens mainly on agricultural plants in Bulgaria, causing diseases as potato blight disease, black shank on tobacco, blights on peppers and tomatoes, etc. They also cause problems in orchards and nurseries. Less data concerning these plant pathogens are available for forestry and in fact there was no comprehensive investigation of the Phytophthora biodiversity in Bulgarian ecosystems. The problem with the increasing number of incidents of severe disease outbreaks caused by introduced Phytophthora pathogens in different types of ecosystems is discussed in this review. Some of the Phytophthora species known as inhabitants in the European countries, but still not found in Bulgaria, are pointed and discussed as a potential invaders for the country and increased danger for the natural and agro ecosystems in the country. The awareness is focused on some factors that might influence this process, like human activity, global climate changes and natural interspesific hybridization.

Keywords: biodiversity; distribution; introduction; Phytophthora

Date published: 2017-10-16