Role of avian vectors in the spread of Phytophthora species in Poland

Phytophthora is an important plant pathogen that can cause serious damage in a wide range of forest species. Understanding how this pathogen disseminates is fundamental to disease management. There is a continual need for improvement of Phytophthora species monitoring in natural ecosystems. However, currently there is little evidence for whether avian vectors may be transporting spores and contributing to the spread of the pathogen. This is the first survey of birds as vectors of Phytophthora species. Analysis of swabs from feathers from 112 birds belonging to seven species showed that most of them transmit P. cactorum and to a lesser extent P. plurivora. Pathogens of black alder − P. alni and P. multiformis were detected in the investigated area, but their frequency was low. This study showed that avian vectors are important in spreading Phytophthora. In addition, analysis of swabs from feathers can be sensitive method for detection of Phytophthora presence in ecosystems.