Authors: Chumanová, Eva; Černý, Karel;Haňáčková, Zuzana;Brestovanská, Tereza;Zýka, Vladimír;

The number of alien and invasive plant pathogens and their impact on natural ecosystems and biodiversity have been increasing in many regions of the world in recent decades. Early knowledge of harmful invasive species and identification of locations and habitats at the highest as well as the lowest risk of invasion and damage are crucial for effective management of invasions and protection of ecosystems and their biodiversity and functions. We compiled a list of alien fungal and fungal-like plant pathogens detected in the Czech Republic, chose eleven species already or potentially harmful to autochthonous woody plants and their communities and developed spatial predictions of i) the environmental suitability for these pathogens in the country and ii) their potential impact on woody vegetation in NATURA 2000 habitats. Expert knowledge species distribution models with GIS were used to solve the task. The maps show high variability in the susceptibility to the invasions within the country, identify the most endangered locations and habitats and suggest a combined effect of the studied pathogens in many of them. We believe our results can help to implement effective management strategies to monitor and control invasions of these organisms and minimize their impact on nature and biodiversity.