Identification of Phytophthora cinnamomi as the cause of decline and death in Taxus baccata in Greece

In June 2012, a heterothallic Phytophthora was isolated from soil and roots of Taxus baccata (English yew) plants growing in the field near Thessaloniki, Greece. The pathogen was identified as P. cinnamomi on the basis of morphology and ITS sequencing. A pathogenicity test (soil infestation method) was performed and P. cinnamomi was re-isolated, confirming Koch’s postulates. This is the first identification of P. cinnamomi as the cause of decline and death of the important ornamental English yew in Greece.