Pathogenicity of Phytophthora and Halophytophthora species on black alder and the host histological response

Riparian alder forests are threatened by Phytophthora across Europe. Comparative studies of the pathogenicity of Phytophthora species are crucial for developing effective management strategies. Although only a limited number of species, particularly P. × alni, lead to tree decline in natural environments, many species demonstrate pathogenicity in inoculation trials. Phytophthora species vary in their ability to infect different tissues, such as phloem and xylem, and trigger defence responses in the host through the formation of tyloses and callose. By comparing the histological responses of alder to various Phytophthora species, we can gain insights into the success of P. × alni and the potential damage that could be caused by other species. To investigate the defence strategies of black alder (Alnus glutinosa) against attack by Phytophthora and Halophytophthora species present in Catalonia (NE Spain), we conducted inoculation trials on saplings using nine potentially pathogenic species and compared the histological responses. Phytophthora × alni and P. plurivora were the most aggressive species followed by other exotic species such as P. × cambivora and P. cactorum. Phytophthora × alni and P. plurivora were equally damaging despite the higher prevalence of P. × alni in declining alders in natural settings. Although P. × alni mainly invaded the phloem, P. plurivora also invaded the xylem and triggered the production of tyloses. Histological analyses revealed a diverse range of plant responses to infection by Phytophthora species, providing a better understanding of their adaptability in natural environments compared with solely observing lesions. The low level of callose production in saplings inoculated with P. × alni compared with callose production in saplings inoculated with less pathogenic species suggests that P. × alni can evade recognition by the host and, hence, could partially explain its success.