Dieback of cork oak (Quercus suber) in Catalonia (NE Spain) caused by Botryosphaeria stevensii

Botryosphaeria stevensii Shoemaker (anamorph: Diplodia mutila Fr. apud Mont.) is reported as the cause of canker and dieback of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) in Catalonia (NE Spain). It also causes wilting of trees after cork is removed for industrial purposes. Symptomatology and details of morphology for both anamorph and teleomorph are given.     

Control of verticillium wilt in Cotinus coggygria

We analyzed the inhibition rates of eight kinds of fungicides to the pathogen of verticillium wilt of smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria) by measuring mycelium growth. Results show that four fungicides (Weijunjing, thiophanate-methyl 70% WP (wettable powder), carbendazim 50% WP and Junxianwei) have the best antifungal effects. Three fungicides, Weijunjing, carbendazim 50% WP and Junxianwei, were selected to determine the control of verticillium wilt in potted smoke tree seedlings. We found that the relative efficacy of Weijunjing was up to 74%. Based on the results, Weijunjing and carbendazim 50% WP were prepared for field trials. The results indicate that the relative efficacy of Weijunjing (300 times diluted) and carbendazim 50% WP (400 times diluted) were 66.2% and 48.9% in plot 1 and 26.4% and 31.8% in plot 2 after soil disinfection, and were 224% and 61.8% in plot 3 without soil disinfection in 2007. The relative efficacy of Weijunjing and carbendazim 50% WP were 49.6% and 45.4% in plot 2 in 2008.     

Physiological responses of cork oak and holm oak to infection by fungal pathogens involved in oak decline

The aim of this research was to study the changes in net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance values in 3‐year‐old cork oak and holm oak seedlings growing in natural conditions and inoculated with Apiognomonia quercina, Biscogniauxia mediterranea, Botryosphaeria corticola and Pleurophoma cava. Throughout the 4‐month experimental period, the evolution of visual external symptoms and the values of physiological variables were periodically recorded. All pathogens caused stem lesions around the infection point; however, the lesions caused by B. corticola were longer in both oak species. On cork oak seedlings, all pathogens induced a significant and gradual reduction in net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance values, whereas other physiological disturbances were induced only by B. corticola infections on holm oak seedlings.     

Action in vitro de fongicides benzimidazoles et thiophanates sur Ceratocystis fimbriata E. et H. f. platani

In vitro action of selected benzimidazole and thiophanate systemic fungicides on Ceratocystis fimbriata E. et H. f. platani. The relative effects of several systemic fungicides (benzimidazoles: carbendazim, benomyl, and thiabendazole; and a thiophanate: methyl-thiophanate) of French strain of Ceratocystis fimbriata E. et H. (platani were studied in vitro by measuring mycelium diameter growth, percent conidiospore germination, and development from chlamydospores. Both strains were sensitive to carbendazim and methyl-thiophanate. These chemicals inhibited mycelium growth and development of chlamydospores.     

Susceptibility of Eucalyptus hybrid clones to Botryosphaeria canker in Uganda

ABSTRACT

The study assessed the susceptibility of the nine commonly grown Eucalyptus clones to Neofusicoccum species associated with Botryosphaeria canker in Uganda. The inoculation trials indicated that susceptibility of Eucalyptus hybrids differed significantly (p = .000), clones GU609, GU7, GC578, and GC796 exhibiting a higher tolerance than GC784, GC550, GU8, GC514, and GC540. The results further revealed that N. parvum was more pathogenic than N. kwambonambiense. The generated information can be exploited in sustainable forest management by expanding the growing of tolerant hybrids in areas with high Botryosphaeria canker disease pressure.     

Control of verticillium wilt in Cotinus coggygria

We analyzed the inhibition rates of eight kinds of fungicides to the pathogen of verticillium wilt of smoke tree(Cotinus coggygria) by measuring mycelium growth.Results show that four fungicides(Weijunjing,thiophanate-methyl 70% WP(wettable powder),carbendazim 50% WP and Junxianwei) have the best antifungal effects.Three fungicides,Weijunjing,carbendazim 50% WP and Junxianwei,were selected to determine the control of verticillium wilt in potted smoke tree seedlings.We found that the relative efficacy of Wei...     

In vitro evaluation of fungicides against Cylindrocladium spp. causing diseases of Eucalyptus in Kerala,India1

A total of 22 fungicides were evaluated in vitro for their efficacy against Cylindrocladium quinqueseptatum (CQ), C. ilicicola (CI), C. floridanum (CF), C. parvum (CP), and C. camelliae (CC) causing various diseases of Eucalyptus in Kerala, India. Though there were a number of fungicides effective (ED₁₀₀) in the comdial germination and poisoned food techniques, only carbendazim provided complete inhibition of CQ, CI and CC in the soil-fungicide screening technique; carbendazim was also highly effective against CF and CP. C. ilicicola appeared to be more tolerant than other species of Cylindrocladium as only a few fungicides were found to be effective against it even in the conidial germination technique. On comparison of the three fungicidal evaluation techniques, it is concluded that, for a pathogen producing microsclerotia, like Cylindrocladium, the soil-fungicide screening technique is the most appropriate one for obtaining reliable results.     

Evaluation of Pinus radiata seed treatments to control Fusarium circinatum: effects on seed emergence and disease incidence

In this study, the effects of hot water (HWT), hydrogen peroxide and fungicides on the incidence of Fusarium circinatum on artificially inoculated Pinus radiata seeds were evaluated. Fifteen commercial fungicide formulations were screened in vitro for inhibitory activity on mycelial growth and conidial germination of F. circinatum. With half‐maximal effective concentration (EC₅₀) lower than 0.5 ppm, fluazinam, imazalil and tebuconazole were the most effective fungicides on mycelial growth, while captan, mancozeb or pyraclostrobin were the most effective (EC₅₀ < 0.3 ppm) on conidial germination. Based on the results obtained, imazalil, fluazinam, mancozeb and pyraclostrobin were selected for further testing. The effects of HWT, hydrogen peroxide and fungicide treatments on seed emergence and the incidence of F. circinatum were assessed. Seed treatments with fungicides prior to sowing were less effective and inconsistent in reducing the incidence of F. circinatum on seedlings. In contrast, hot water and hydrogen peroxide treatments significantly reduced F. circinatum contamination on P. radiata seeds with an overall disease incidence lower than 0.8% on seedlings. Furthermore, subsequent application of fungicides on seedlings did not improve the effectiveness of HWT. These results, therefore, suggest that hot water is a better alternative to hydrogen peroxide and fungicides as Pinus seed treatment against F. circinatum and could easily be implemented as standard in commercial nurseries to control the spread of the pitch canker disease.     

杨树壳梭孢溃疡病菌的室内毒力测定

在室内培养条件下,采用生长速率法测定了6种常用杀菌剂对杨树壳梭孢溃疡病菌Fusicco-cum fesculi的抑制效果,结果表明:80%代森锰锌WP和50%异菌脲WP对F.fesculi抑制效果最好,EC50值分别是38.175,41.947 mg/L;70%甲基硫菌灵WP2,5%三唑酮WP和75%百菌清WP抑菌效果次之,EC50值分别是137.43,149.90,205.98 mg/L;60%多菌灵WP抑菌效果最差,EC50值是419.91 mg/L。     

杨树溃疡病药剂防治研究

通过6种药剂对杨树溃疡病病原菌室内抑菌测定,筛选出福美砷、甲基托布津、多菌灵和退菌特4种药剂,抑菌效果明显。用上述4种药剂进行树干病斑涂药防治试验,结果表明,除退菌特防效较差外,其余3种药剂均有较好的防治效果。     

Application of biotechnological tools to Quercus improvement

The genus Quercus, which belongs to the family Fagaceae, is native to the northern hemisphere and includes deciduous and evergreen species. The trees of the different species are very important from both economic and ecological perspectives. Application of new technological approaches (which span the fields of plant developmental biology, genetic transformation, conservation of elite germplasm and discovery of genes associated with complex multigenic traits) to these long-rotation hardwoods may be of interest for accelerating tree improvement programs. This review provides a summary of the advances made in the application of biotechnological tools to specific oak species. Significant progress has been made in the area of clonal propagation via organogenesis and somatic embryogenesis (SE). Standardized procedures have been developed for micropropagating the most important European (Q. robur, Q. petarea, Q. suber) and American (Q. alba, Q. bicolor, Q. rubra) oaks by axillary shoot growth. Although regenerated plantlets are grown in experimental trials, large-scale propagation of oak species has not been carried out. The induction of SE in oaks from juvenile explants is generally not problematic, although the use of explants other than zygotic embryos is much less efficient. During the last decade, enormous advances have been made in inducing SE from selected adult trees, mainly specimens of pedunculate oak (Q. robur) and cork oak (Q. suber). Advances in the understanding of the maturation and germination steps are required for better use of embryogenic process in clonal forestry. Quercus species are late-maturing and late-flowering, exhibit irregular seed set, and produce seeds that are recalcitrant to storage by conventional procedures. Vitrification-based cryopreservation techniques were used successfully in somatic embryos of pedunculate oak and cork oak, and an applied genbank of cork oak selected genotypes is now under development. The feasibility of genetic transformation of pedunculate oak and cork oak somatic embryos by means of co-culture techniques with several strains of Agrobacterium tumefaciens has also been demonstrated. To date, most research on the genomics of Quercus species has concerned population genetics. Approaches using functional genomics to examine the molecular and cellular mechanisms that control organogenesis and or somatic embryogenesis are still scarce, and efforts on the isolation and characterization of genes related to other specific traits should be intensified in the near future, as this would help improve the practical application of clonal forestry in recalcitrant species such as oaks.     

6种杀菌剂对不同桉树焦枯病病原菌的室内毒力测定

由丽赤壳属（Calonectria）真菌引起的桉树焦枯病是桉树世界范围内的重要病害之一。为了筛选能有效抑制丽赤壳属病原菌的杀菌剂,本研究采用6种杀菌剂（百菌清、代森锰锌、多菌灵、甲基硫菌灵、嘧菌酯、咪鲜胺）对5种桉树丽赤壳属病原菌（Ca. cerciana、Ca. crousiana、Ca. fujianensis、Ca. pauciramosa、Ca. pseudoreteaudii）通过菌丝生长法测定其室内毒力强弱。结果显示：6种杀菌剂对5种丽赤壳属病原菌均有一定的抑制作用,且差异显著。不同杀菌剂对同一丽赤壳属病原菌的抑制效果差异显著,不同丽赤壳属病原菌对同一杀菌剂的敏感性也存在差异。综合比较分析,咪鲜胺能有效发地抑制本研究中测定的丽赤壳属病原菌菌丝生长。     

Influence of site factors on the impact of Phytophthora cinnamomi in cork oak stands in Portugal

Although decline of cork (Quercus suber) and holm oak trees (Quercus rotundifolia) has been described in Portugal in the late years of the 19th century, its development has become a motive of high concern during the last two decades. The presence of Phytophthora cinnamomi in cork and holm oak stands was surveyed in four different regions of the country (Trás‐os‐Montes, Alentejo, Ribatejo and Algarve) during 1995–98. Tree decline severity, sudden death and site characteristics were assessed in 56 sites representing varied conditions. The pathogen was isolated from oak roots and rhizosphere samples in 27 of those places. Other plant species from natural vegetation were sampled in three active disease centres. This survey showed that 56% of the surveyed species of shrub flora were infected with P. cinnamomi, which was detected mainly on species belonging to the families Ericaceae, Cistaceae and Leguminosae. Recovery of P. cinnamomi was more frequent in shallow soils (Leptosols and complex Leptosols and Luvisols). These soils are more common in the south (Algarve), where decline has a high impact. Soils with low fertility and low mineral nutrient levels, particularly phosphorus, seemed to favour infection. Site aspect and topographic tree situation were also evaluated. Sites facing south showed higher occurrence of P. cinnamomi, which was also more frequent in slopes and valleys than on hilltops. In Algarve, a relationship could be established between the crown status and the presence of P. cinnamomi in roots and rhizosphere. Different morphotypes of P. cinnamomi could be distinguished in vitro, and their occurrence in the field was correlated with particular site characteristics. Further research needs and management strategies to limit the extension of the disease are discussed.     

Establishment of cryopreserved gene banks of European chestnut and cork oak

Cryopreservation of selected genotypes of European chestnut and cork oak was carried out in two laboratories in a project involving conservation of field collections. Plant material was selected on the basis of disease resistance (chestnut), growth habit, phytosanitary performance and cork quality (cork oak). The cryopreservation technique comprised of vitrification of shoot apices isolated from in vitro stock shoot cultures (chestnut) and somatic embryos (cork oak). Forty-three out of 46 chestnut genotypes assayed survived the freezing process, but only 63% recovered their capacity to produce new shoots. After completion of multiplication and rooting steps, the surviving shoots produced plants that were morphologically identical to those derived from non-supercooled material. All 51 cork oak genotypes withstood freezing and were able to produce new somatic embryos through a process of secondary embryogenesis. Multiplication and germination of the recovered embryos enabled production of plants that were morphologically identical to those derived from non-supercooled material. In light of the results obtained, long-term cryopreservation of these species is feasible, thereby ensuring conservation of valuable genotypes during field evaluation.     

Integrated management of the charcoal disease by silviculture,chemical and biological methods in forest parks

Biscogniauxia mediterranea (De Not.) Kuntze, is a widespread fungus, causes outbreaks of Charcoal disease on cork oak and dieback thousands oak trees in recent years in Iran. Yet no efficient and effective management methods have been found to control the disease. The present study aimed to provide a suitable method for charcoal disease management through silviculture operations, systemic pesticides and biological compounds. The results showed that, simultaneous implementation of silvicultural practices (scarification+sanitation), use of systemic fungicides and Trichoderma compounds, reduce the number and depth of cankers, increase callus thickness, and ultimately improve health of the diseased trees. But disease severity and fungi activity were increased when scarification operation implements alone. The greatest effectiveness of the treatments and health condition improvement of the diseased trees was observed 12 months after applying the treatments. Then, preventive and therapeutic effectiveness of the treatments reduced over time. Sanitation and scarification practices can increase soil permeability and also destroy the larvae, pupa or adult insects and oak borer beetles that play an important role in disease outbreaks. Therefore, simultaneous implementation of sanitation and scarification practices with application of biological and systemic compounds can reduce primary source of pathogen inoculum and help trees to recover their health.     

高节竹梢枯病发生规律及防治试验

在掌握高节竹梢枯病Arenrinium phaeospermurn发生规律的基础上，对10种杀菌剂进行室内药效测定，选出的70％甲基托布津、50％多菌灵、80％402乳剂、40％异稻瘟净、20％粉锈宁等5种杀菌剂对暗孢节菱孢菌有较强的抑菌作用。野外防治试验表明，采用综合治理措施，防治效果可达88．2％。     

Occurrence of Phytophthora cinnamomi in cork oak forests in Italy

An increasing decline and mortality of cork oak trees have been recently observed in central Italy and Sardinia Island. Following surveys conducted in three declining cork oak forests, a Phytophthora species was consistently isolated from soil samples collected from trees displaying different level of decline. Based on morphological features, growth rates at different temperatures and analysis of DNA sequences of the ITS region, all isolates were identified as Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands. This pathogen caused large brownish lesions on inoculated freshly cut branches of cork oak. It was re‐isolated from all infected tissues. These findings represent the first report of P. cinnamomi on cork oak trees in Italy.     

Viability of holm and cork oak seedlings from acorns sown in soils naturally infected with Phytophthora cinnamomi

The emergence and survival of pregerminated holm oak (Quercus ilex) and cork oak (Quercus suber) acorns from two ecologically different dehesas (Mediterranean open woodlands) were studied in two soils from these stands naturally infected with Phytophthora cinnamomi, and in the same soils previously sterilized in the autoclave. Phytophthora cinnamomi was consistently isolated from the radicles of all unemerged and all emerged but dead seedlings from the unsterilized substrates. Seedlings of holm oak were more susceptible to P. cinnamomi than those of cork oak. Mortality of holm oak seedlings was significantly different depending only on soil treatment (sterilized or unsterilized), and it was 100% in unsterilized soils, independent of acorn provenance and soil origin. Mortality of cork oak seedlings was significantly different depending on the acorn origin and soil treatment, and on the interactions acorn origin × soil origin and soil origin × soil treatment. The demonstrated high susceptibility of holm and cork oak young seedlings to P. cinnamomi could be a limiting factor in Mediterranean open woodlands (dehesas) not only in natural regeneration processes but also when reforestation by direct sowing is implemented.     

Testing systemic fungicides for control of Phytophthora oak root disease

Potassium phosphite (PP) formulations registered as fertilizers are now prohibited in Spain. Therefore, we evaluated the systemic fungicide fosetyl‐aluminium (fos‐al) in comparison with PP, against root rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi in Quercus woodlands. The direct effect of both systemic fungicides was evaluated in vitro on P. cinnamomi mycelial growth. Protection of cork and holm oak against infection was also evaluated in planta. Metalaxyl was included in both in vitro and in planta experiments for comparison purposes. At 100 μg/mL, PP totally inhibited colony radial growth, in comparison with 75% achieved by fos‐al. At doses recommended by manufacturers, with fos‐al and metalaxyl applications, root symptoms remained similar to the uninfected control levels. Based on these results, fos‐al is a candidate substitute product for PP in Quercus woodlands for control of Phytophthora oak root disease.     

Identification and characterization of bacterial strains associated with diseased oak trees in Northern Iran

Oak decline syndrome is characterized by periodic occurrences of decline and death of oaks over widespread areas. An outbreak of a new emerging disease on oak trees was reported in the Hyrcanian forest of Iran (Mazandaran and Golestan provinces) that showed stem bleeding and canker symptoms. Bacterial isolates were characterized through biochemical and physiological tests, protein electrophoresis, DNA fingerprinting (rep‐PCR, ERIC and BOX primers) and sequencing of 16S rRNA and MLSA (multilocus sequencing analysis) for housekeeping genes (gyrB, infB and atpD). A complex community of the genus Brenneria spp. (Brenneria goodwinii, Brenneria roseae subsp. roseae, Brenneria sp. and Brenneria nigrifluens) and a few isolates in the genus Gibbsiella were identified as major groups involved. Isolate differentiation was more accurate using concatenated partial gene sequences within the main groups. All bacterial isolates showed hypersensitivity reactions (HR) on Pelargonium leaves (Pelargonium × hortorum). Pathogenicity studies of different Brenneria and Gibbsiella strains revealed that they have potential to cause the disease in oak seedlings and devastating oak canker and stem bleeding symptoms in northern Iran. Due to the presence of several potentially pathogenic agent(s) associated with the oak decline, identification of the principal agent(s) is of major interest. To our knowledge, this is the first report of potentially pathogenic bacteria associated with oak bleeding and canker in Iran.