Acute Oak Decline-Associated Bacteria: An Emerging Worldwide Threat to Forests
Acute oak decline (AOD) is a multifactorial disease that affects European oaks and represents a growing threat to forests. The disease results from a complex interaction between biotic and abiotic factors: the various environmental stresses, which vary depending on the area in question, and generall...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Microorganisms |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/5/1127 |
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| Summary: | Acute oak decline (AOD) is a multifactorial disease that affects European oaks and represents a growing threat to forests. The disease results from a complex interaction between biotic and abiotic factors: the various environmental stresses, which vary depending on the area in question, and generally increased by climate change, predispose trees to attack by opportunistic pathogens. Among them, we focused on a bacterial consortium associated with AOD, consisting mainly of <i>Brenneria goodwinii</i>, <i>Gibbsiella quercinecans</i>, <i>Rahnella victoriana</i>, and <i>Lonsdalea britannica</i>, which produce degrading enzymes that contribute to phloem necrosis and the development of stem bleeds and bark cracks. However, the role of other pathogens, such as fungi, cannot be ruled out, but instead could be contributory. The potential involvement of xylophagous insects is also being studied, particularly <i>Agrilus biguttatus</i>, which, although, frequently associated with the disease, has not been conclusively demonstrated to act as an active vector of the bacteria. Currently, disease management requires integrated approaches, including monitoring and other forestry strategies to increase forest resilience. Given the phenomenon’s complexity and the risk of the future expansion of that bacterial consortium, further research is necessary to understand the dynamics and to develop effective containment strategies of AOD-associated bacteria. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-2607 |