The occurrence of Tubakia dryina in Poland – new hosts and ITS variation

Summary This study describes a preliminary investigation of the occurrence of Tubakia dryina in Poland, based on fungal isolations from symptomless leaves and from necrotic areas of leaf blades of Quercus robur, Fagus sylvatica and Tilia cordata. Occurrence of T. dryina on leaves of the two latter species is reported for the first time. Frequency of incidence on different hosts varied between tree species, with the highest rate on oaks and the lowest on linden. The results also suggest the ubiquitous occurrence of T. dryina on oaks in Poland. This situation is in contrast to previous observations showing much lower frequency of this fungus in the past. A preliminary, ITS‐based, analysis of genetic diversity among Polish isolates of T. dryina revealed the presence of two distinct haplotypes, both of which are widespread in Poland and occur on the same trees in most locations. No further genetic diversity was observed within either detected lineages using ITS analyses.