EN
In 2009-2010, Phytophthora citrophthora and P. cryptogea were consistently isolated from the diseased shoot parts of periwinkle (Vinca minor L.). The periwinkle had been collected from hardy ornamental nursery stock. The species were identified on the basis of colony patterns and their morphology as well as with molecular methods. Symptoms including yellowing and browning of leaves, dark brown or black spots enlarged on stems, and dieback of whole plants were observed. The symptoms were mainly noticed on cv. Aureovariegata and disease incidence was about 10%. Isolates of P. citrophthora and P. cryptogea colonized the leaf blades and stem parts of 7 periwinkle cultivars and 4 clones. Cultivars were colonized quicker than clones. Colonization trials showed that both species caused similar damage to periwinkle parts. The green clone of V. minor was more resistant to Phytophthora spp. than other colored clones. In a greenhouse trial, P. citrophthora and P. cryptogea inhibited rooting of periwinkle cuttings, especially Gertrude Jekyll and V. minor. This is believed to be the first report of P. citrophthora and P. cryptogea as the causal agents of V. minor shoot blight.