First record of the fungus Setomelanomma holmii (Pleosporales, Phaeosphaeriaceae) on Picea abies in Bulgaria

Spruce needle drop disease of Norway spruce (Picea abies) associated with a fungal pathogen Setomelanomma holmii (Pleosporales, Phaeosphaeriaceae) was established for the first time in Bulgaria in 2023. Severe symptoms of the disease were observed in 12.4% of 6-year old Norway spruce saplings planted in the nursery of Training and Experimental Forest Range, Yundola village (Southwest Bulgaria). Fruiting structures of the fungus were found on the branches and twigs of P. abies. Only current year needles remained on severely affected samplings. Symptoms of the disease were not detected on the Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens) young trees planted in the same nursery.