First report of Seiridium cardinale on Cupressus sempervirens in Serbia

While monitoring the health of different ornamental and shade trees in Serbia, symptoms indicative cypress canker disease were observed young Cupressus sempervirens Belgrade urban area. Symptoms included tree mortality (specimens recorded with a change needle colour, branch decline or longitudinal bark cankers on stems resin exudates) appearance acervuli fruiting bodies cones. Using light microscopy, cross sections cankered cones examined numerous fusoid, six-cell conidia four inner coloured cells two hyaline at ends. Based unique combination morphological features infected host, this pathogen was identified as Seiridium cardinale. This is first report S. cardinale common Serbia. Possible introduction pathways implications findings are discussed.