Phytophthora nicotianae

Breda de Haan (1896) 

Black shank

Phytophthora nicotianae is a soilborne fungus that causes one of the most destructive diseases of tobacco. It occurs primarily in hot and humid climates of the equatorial and tropical regions. It is particularly severe in the USA, in many Central American countries, Brazil and South Africa. In these countries it is common to see fields completely destroyed by the pathogen. It is a severe disease in many other countries as well. Phytophthora nicotianae is sometimes observed in temperate climates. Tobacco crops in several European countries suffer losses due to this disease. It causes losses in Greece, whereas in other European countries such as Spain, Italy, Germany, and Bulgaria it only causes minor damage.

This disease has never been observed in France.