Preliminary observations on the spread of “charcoal canker” disease in an artificial cork oak stand in Algeria

Abstract: A phytopathological study was carried out between March and July 2013 in an artificial cork oak stand located in M’Sila’s forest, northwest of Algeria, affected by Biscogniauxia mediterranea, fungus causing “charcoal canker” disease. In this article are given the first results of investigations aimed to describe the observed infections, to isolate the pathogen involved and characterize its morphological and physiological features, and to evaluate the disease’s spread in the cork oak forest. The results showed an infection rate of 4% affecting mainly stripped trees in 2007 and decaying ones. Laboratory’s results showed that B. mediterranea grows well at temperatures usually prevailing in the cork oak stand of M’Sila and therefore supporting the diffusion of its infections.