A study of Phytophthora spp. in declining highbush blueberry in Germany reveals that P. cinnamomi can thrive under Central European outdoor conditions

Abstract Phytophthora cinnamomi and P. cactorum were detected in soil samples from a Vaccinium corymbosum stand southern Germany. Both species virulent an underbark inoculation assay have not been reported highbush blueberry Germany before. While is widely distributed nurseries (semi)natural habitats like forests, field reports of are rare due to its sensitivity frost. Its occurrence outdoor indicates potential survive Central European winter periods that tend be increasingly mild. was also found the substrate young V. nursery plants, suggesting high degree contamination commercial production demonstrating risk spreading exotic invasive plant pathogens via planting infested stock.