Insights on the fungal communities associated with needle reddening of the endangered Abies nebrodensis

Abies nebrodensis is a species of fir endemic to Sicily, represented by only 30 trees in the natural population and is currently classified as critically endangered by IUCN. In such context, monitoring its health status is essential for the proper management and preservation of this species. Phytosanitary surveys of trees of the natural population of A. nebrodensis and on potted plants raised in the local forest nursery were carried out, and the phyllosphere fungal community was investigated. The health condition of trees in the natural population were fairly good, with needle reddening and blight as the most frequently observed symptoms on the foliage, while in the nursery similar disorders were registered on about the 1.3