Oak Decline Caused by Biotic and Abiotic Factors in Central Europe: A Case Study from the Czech Republic

Oak decline presenting symptoms of tracheomycosis have been observed globally over long periods time. Since the 1990s, oak has considered to be a multifactorial process where abiotic predisposing factors play significant role. Nevertheless, biotic factors, such as subcortical insects and fungal pathogens, may influence process, some insect species transmit spores tracheomycotic pathogens. We investigated agents (subcortical insects, Ophiostoma spp. Phytophthora spp.) in six declining stands located within mesophytic thermophytic zones Czech Republic, five dry years occurred from 2015 2019. The spectrum pests was using two methods: reared logs each stand window traps. presence fungi assessed cultivated woodblocks; pathogens were isolated soil samples. In total, 2931 individuals captured during 2021 vegetation period. most species-rich group complex involved consisted families Cerambycidae: Xylotrechus antilope; Curculionidae: Scolytus intricatus, Xyleborus monographus; Buprestidae: Agrilus biguttatus, A. sulcicollis. detected all with different intensities between tree parts. Several important positively correlated occurrence Ophiostoma. On contrary, samples, plurivora found at only one studied stand. Based on results, new modified model is proposed.