Diplodia corticola, anamorph of Botryosphaeria corticola Phillips, Alves et Luque, and
Biscognauxia mediterranea (De Not.) O. Kuntze (= Hypoxylon mediterraneum) have often been
associated with serious decline phenomena, which have been affecting the cork oak forest in Italy
and other Mediterranean countries for several years. Diplodia corticola is widespread in Sardinian
oak forests, and can affect plants of different ages, inducing symptoms which include dieback,
cankers and vascular necrosis. These studies may provide information which could be useful for understanding the chemistry
and the biology governing the relationship between these fungi and their hosts. Further studies
should aim to also evaluate the ecological role of these substances
