Original article Phytophthora species in oak forests of north-east France

(Amance) or declining (Illwald) forests were compared. The Phytophthora population in both was diverse and locally abundant. At least eight species were present at Amance and six at Illwald. At Amance Phytophthora species had a localized distribution in water and low-lying soils. At Illwald distribution was more uniform apparently due to flooding events. Most often recovered were P. citri-cola, P. gonapodyides and P. quercina. P. gonapodyides was ubiquitous in water and colonized leaf debris. P. quercina was widely distributed in soil but not abundant, and was found in sites that did not otherwise appear to favor Phytophthora. No correlation was detected between presence of Phytophthora in soil and health of trees. Unusual combinations of environmental factors may be required for resident Phytophthora to have a detrimental impact on oaks. © 1999 Editions scientifiques et médicales Elsevier SAS