Beech bark disease in Slovakia related to fungi of the genus Nectria S.l. and the anatomy of necrotised bark and wood: a brief review

This short review summarises the history and current knowledge regarding beech bark disease (BBD) in Slovakia. Moreover, the results of ongoing long-term disease monitoring are summarised. The article also provides a list of the 29 Nectria s.l. species found to date in Slovakia, complete with information about their occurrence on host tree species. Above all, we highlight the need for histopathological research on beech tissues attacked by different Nectria spp. Notably, neither the defensive response mechanisms of host cellular tissues at the anatomical and biochemical levels nor the strategy of decomposition by different pathogens have been explored in beech.