Distribution and ecology of Armillaria species in Greece

Five Armillaria species were identified in a nationwide survey in Greece. A rmillaria mellea was present in coniferous and broad-leaved forests in most of the areas examined, except the high altitudes (above 1100 m) of the mou ntains of north Greece. It was found to cause significant damage in fir for ests as well as in fruit orchards and vineyards. Armillaria gallica was com mon in coniferous and broad-leaved forests in the high altitudes of central and northern Greece, predominating in the beech forests. The fungus was a weak parasite or a saprophyte of forest trees and was occasionally found on cultivated plants. Armillaria ostoyae was not found in southern and centra l parts of the country, but it has a wide distribution in the mountain-fore sts of northern Greece and causes significant damage on fir, black pine, Sc ots pine and spruce. Armillaria cepistipes was recorded at high altitudes ( 1400-1800 m) on two mountains of northern Greece, mostly as a saprophyte in coniferous and broad-leaved forests. Armillaria tabescens was rare in the forests of Greece; it was found to cause disease in almond tree orchards.