First report of bacteria causing Acute Oak Decline on Quercus robur in Slovakia

Acute Oak Decline (AOD) is an oak disease that was first described in the United Kingdom. From the time the first symptoms appear, the disease can kill trees even within 6 years. One of the factors causing this disease is the action of the pathogenic bacteria Brenneria goodwinii, Rahnella victoriana and Gibbsiella quercinecans. In recent years, a deterioration in the condition of oak stands has been observed throughout Slovakia. These trees show exudates characteristic of AOD, which may indicate the presence of pathogenic bacteria. Samples of such symptomatic exudates from tree trunks were collected and analysed on 20 different plots in central and western Slovakia. Using real-time PCR, the presence of Brenneria goodwinii and Gibbsiella quercinecans was confirmed in ten and three stands, respectively. This report is the first information about the observation of these bacteria in weakened stands of Quercus robur in Slovakia.