Botryodiplodia hydrodermia

Botryodiplodia hydrodermia is a fungal phytopathogen belonging to the genus Botryodiplodia. As an ascomycete fungus, it acts as a primary agent responsible for various necrotrophic diseases in woody plants, leading to severe damage of the plant's vascular and cortical tissues.

The pathogen primarily affects fruit trees and various ornamental woody species. Clinical symptoms include the formation of lesions on the bark, distinct cracking, development of cankers, and necrosis of the cambium layer. As the fungal infection progresses, it blocks the plant's vascular system, resulting in the premature wilting and death of branches.

The life cycle of this pathogen involves survival through winter as pycnidia and mycelia within infected bark and plant debris. Spore (conidia) dispersal occurs via rain splashes, wind, and insect vectors. Once they reach a susceptible host, the conidia germinate, penetrate the plant tissues through wounds or natural openings, and initiate the infection cycle.

Environmental conditions characterized by high humidity and moderate temperatures significantly favor the rapid spread and establishment of the fungus. Furthermore, trees that have suffered from environmental stress—such as frost damage, drought, or physical injury—are markedly more susceptible to infection, allowing the fungus to colonize the host more aggressively.

Management and control strategies focus on integrated pest management practices. Key actions include strict sanitation by pruning and destroying infected branches to reduce inoculum sources. Furthermore, maintaining tree vitality through proper nutrition and irrigation is crucial. Chemical control involves the application of copper-based or systemic fungicides, especially during periods of high vulnerability following pruning operations.