Susceptibility of Eucalyptus grandis to Cryphonectria cubensis

Artificial inoculation of rooted Eucalyptus grandis cuttings with Cryphonectria cubensis in the glasshouse showed that significant differences exist in the susceptibility of various Eucalyptus clones to the pathogen. A 61.3% difference in susceptibility was observed between the most resistant and susceptible group of clones. Results appeared, however, to have been influenced by genotype × environment interaction.     

First report of bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum on eucalypts in South Africa

Ralstonia solanacearum, the causal agent of bacterial wilt, has one of the widest host ranges of all phytopathogenic bacteria. This pathogen was first reported on Eucalyptus spp. in the late 1980s in Brazil. Since then, there have been reports of its occurrence on this host in Australia, China and Venezuela. Early in 1997, an 18‐month‐old clonally propagated Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus camaldulensis (GC) hybrid in Zululand, KwaZulu/Natal, showed signs of wilting. The vascular tissue of infected trees was dicoloured and bacterial exudation was produced from cut surfaces. The bacterium was consistently isolated from diseased tissue, purified and identified as R. solanacearum biovar 3 race 1, using the BioLog bacterial identification system. Inoculation trials were conducted on three E. grandis × E. camaldulensis clones (GC515, GC550 and GC505). Clone GC550 displayed wilting after 3 days and all cuttings subsequently died. Clones GC515 and GC505 appeared to be less susceptible with cuttings not showing signs of disease until 7 days after inoculation. After 14 days, 90 and 80%, respectively, of cuttings of these two clones had died. This is the first report of bacterial wilt on Eucalyptus in South Africa.     

Dissimilar stem and leaf hydraulic traits suggest varying drought tolerance among co-occurring Eucalyptus grandis × E. urophylla clones

In South Africa, there is currently a phenomenon where a Eucalyptus grandis × E. urophylla clone is dying on a large scale, whereas co-occurring clones in the same plantation area remain healthy. No primary biotic pathogen has been isolated from these dying trees. However, the plantation region has endured severe drought conditions. We hypothesised that the specific E. grandis × E. urophylla clone dieback is due in part to the affected trees having an elevated drought vulnerability. We tested this hypothesis retrospectively by examining how the dying (branch dieback started) as compared with two healthy and co-occurring E. grandis × E. urophylla clones vary in branch xylem anatomy (water transport) and leaf stable carbon isotopes (gas exchange) across two levels of mean annual precipitation in the planted landscape. There was significant intra-hybrid variation in the range of studied hydraulic traits. It appeared that the dying clone is maladapted to drier field conditions relative to the two healthy growing clones. Individuals of the drought-susceptible clone had increased hydraulic conductivity, having both wider vessel lumens and larger lumen fractions, and also did not regulate leaf-level transpiration in the drier landscape as efficiently as the two unaffected clones (lower δ¹³C ratios). In turn, one of the healthy growing clones had a completely different hydraulic strategy, having higher wood density, lower lumen fractions, and higher δ¹³C ratios that are widely considered as hydraulically resilient during water stress. The other clone appeared to also gain drought tolerance via higher leaf-level water-use efficiency, although drought tolerance was less clear regarding xylem anatomy. We highlight how variation in relative drought vulnerability can be highly significant even between clones within a single hybrid group. Knowledge of this variation in plant hydraulics between commercially planted and closely related Eucalyptus trees would complement clone deployment programmes in a target landscape.     

Early growth results of three Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus nitens hybrid clonal trials and their response to snow events

Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus nitens (G×N) hybrid clones are selected to combine complimentary characteristics of E. nitens and E. grandis. G×N hybrid clones also have the potential to increase growth rates and provide adaptability to a changing climate. A series of three trials planted across a range of high-productivity, mid-altitude sites in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands was established to test the suitability of a suite of G×N hybrid clones. Seven commercially available G×N clones together with two widely planted pure species controls, Eucalyptus dunnii and Eucalyptus smithii, were chosen for this study. The trials were set out in random complete block designs with nine treatments and four replications set out in square plots of 25 trees. The trials were measured for diameter at breast height at 23 months and monitored for snow damage over two winter seasons. Snow was noted at the Baynesfield site and subsequent snow damage assessments were performed. Basal area per hectare was calculated for each plot as a function of diameter at breast height and survival. Significant differences were observed between G×N hybrid clones in both growth and snow tolerance. The top-performing clones significantly outperformed both pure species controls in terms of growth and snow tolerance. Early results indicate that G×N hybrids may be better suited to high-potential, mid-altitude sites exposed to light snow risk than the currently recommended pure species.     

Quambalaria eucalypti found on Eucalyptus in Indonesia

The Eucalyptus plantation industry in Indonesia has expanded rapidly during the last few decades. During routine nursery disease surveys, symptoms of a leaf and shoot blight disease were detected on Eucalyptus mother plants. Isolates were obtained from symptomatic tissues and identified using DNA sequence analyses. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the isolates were those of Quambalaria eucalypti. Pathogenicity tests were conducted with isolates of Q. eucalypti on clones of E. pellita and E. grandis × E. pellita hybrids. These resulted in symptoms similar to those observed on naturally infected plants. Eucalyptus genotypes tested showed variation in their susceptibility, highlighting the potential to select and breed for resistance and thus to manage future outbreaks of the disease. This is the first report of the pathogen in Indonesia as well as in Southeast Asia.     

Ralstonia solanacearum decreases volumetric growth of trees and yield of kraft cellulose of Eucalyptus spp.

Ralstonia solanacearum is currently one of the most important plant pathogenic bacteria worldwide, with a wide geographical distribution and host diversity. The pathogen infects more than 200 plant species belonging to approximately 50 plant families, including Eucalyptus spp. Although, high losses have been reported in nurseries, little is known on the negative impact of the disease in the field. In this study, we evaluated the incidence of R. solanacearum and its effect on volumetric growth and cellulose yield of discoloured wood chips obtained from infected trees of one clone of Eucalyptus urophylla and two hybrid clones of Eucalyptus urophylla × E. grandis. The average incidence of bacterial wilt ranged between 60.6% and 72.4%. Volumetric growth of infected trees disease decreased 78.6% and 81.7% at 18 and 30 months, respectively. The pulp screen yield of three clones decreased between 3.2 and 6.4%, with an average 4.3%. The results of this work provide useful information on the losses of volumetric growth and pulp yield of eucalypt caused by R. solanacearum.     

Lesion size induced by Chrysoporthe fungal pathogens varies between Eucalyptus species and geographic locations in Zambia

Chrysoporthe canker disease is one of the serious threats facing planted Eucalyptus in southern Africa. In order to manage this disease, planting of less susceptible species of Eucalyptus has been promoted in many countries but it is not clear which species are less susceptible for Zambian environments. The purpose of this study was to test the response of different Eucalyptus species to Chrysoporthe fungal pathogens under field conditions to identify the least susceptible species to the disease. Two-year-old Eucalyptus trees (E. grandis, E. camaldulensis, E. cloeziana and E. tereticornis) growing in low- and high-rainfall locations were inoculated separately with three Chrysoporthe fungal species (C. austroafricana, C. syzygiicola and C. zambiensis) and the induced lesion size was measured six months after inoculation. Analysis of variance revealed that lesion size differed significantly between Eucalyptus species (F_3,948 = 1 978.8, p < 0.001). Lesion size on Eucalyptus species increased in the order E. camaldulensis < E. teriticornis < E. cloeziana < E. grandis. On average, trees growing in the higher-rainfall site produced significantly larger lesions than trees growing in the low-rainfall site (F_1,948 = 565, p < 0.001), suggesting that location influences disease severity. Smaller lesions on E. camaldulensis indicate lower susceptibility to Chrysoporthe canker disease, providing an opportunity to use this species in the selection and breeding for resistant Eucalyptus genotypes for plantation development in high disease-risk sites in Zambia.     

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.     

Estimates of genetic parameters and genetic gains for growth traits of two Eucalyptus urophylla populations in Zululand,South Africa

In South Africa, Eucalyptus urophylla is an important species due to its disease tolerance to fungal diseases such as Crysoporthe austroafricana and the Coniothyrium sp. cankers. It is mainly planted as a parental species in a hybrid combination with E. grandis. Generally, the E. grandis × E. urophylla hybrid has better disease tolerance and higher wood density than pure E. grandis. The current strategy is to maintain large breeding populations of both parental species in order to provide improved elite selections for hybrid crosses on a regular basis. With this in mind, two E. urophylla populations, consisting of five provenance/progeny trials, were established in the subtropical region of Zululand. The aims of this study were, firstly, to determine the magnitude of genotype × environment interaction of E. urophylla in Zululand; secondly, to estimate genetic parameters and correlations for diameter at breast height (DBH), height and volume; and thirdly, to identify selections to advance the current breeding population as well as to hybridise with E. grandis. Results indicated that genotype × environment interaction effects would be practically negligible for growth in Zululand and therefore a single breeding population will be appropriate. In general, all growth traits were under low to moderate genetic control, with narrow-sense heritabilities ranging between 0.14 and 0.48 for volume. The genetic correlations between growth traits were high (0.98 and 0.99 for DBH– volume). This is an indication that DBH is a sufficient growth measure to use in E. urophylla breeding programmes. Best linear unbiased prediction estimates indicated that aa selection scenario of 200 individuals will generate genetic gains of 44.7% over the population mean. The estimated gains for the top 50 individuals that could potentially be used as hybrid parents to cross with E. grandis was 59.8% over the population mean.     

Wilt and die‐back of Eucalyptus spp. caused by Erwinia psidii in Brazil

A new disease of unknown bacterial aetiology has been observed in eucalyptus stands since 2009. It is characterized by die‐back, wilting and lesions on the branches, petiole and midrib in association with macroscopic and microscopic bacterial ooze. To date, this disease has been observed in stands of clonal Eucalyptus saligna, E. grandis and E. urophylla x E. grandis hybrids and in E. dunnii seedling plantations in the states of São Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul and Mato Grosso do Sul. Considering the economic importance of eucalyptus plantations and the potential losses caused by this disease, this study aimed to identify and characterize the causal agent. Thirty‐four strains were obtained from infected plants, which were collected in the field from four locations. The inoculation of detached leaves and intact rooted cuttings supported pathogenicity in eucalyptus. The phylogenetic analysis of four housekeeping genes (16S rDNA, gapA, recA and rpoB) as well as biochemical tests confirmed the identity of strains belonging to the species Erwinia psidii. This is the first report of E. psidii as the cause of wilt and die‐back in Eucalyptus spp. in Brazil.     

A rapid,apple-based test for virulence in Cryphonectria cubensis isolates

The presence of the Eucalyptus canker pathogen Cryphonectria cubensis in South Africa is of concern to the local forestry industry. Quantification of the virulence of this fungus through the inoculation of trees, is both time consuming, and expensive. In this study, the potential to use apples in screening for virulence of isolates of C. cubensis, was tested using different apple cultivars and inoculation procedures. The best indication of virulence was given on Golden Delicious apples incubated at 25°C for 14 days. Here, the lesion size associated with inoculations of C. cubensis, was found to correlate significantly with the virulence of the isolates, as determined by inoculations on trees.     

Chloride content and biomass partitioning in Eucalyptus hybrids grown on saline sites

Eucalyptus camaldulensis × globulus and E. camaldulensis × grandis hybrids have been developed to combine the salt–waterlogging tolerance and high-quality wood fibre of their respective parents. The aim is to develop trees that will grow in relatively dry and/or saline environments and provide commercial wood products. Previous studies indicate that the hybrids exhibit faster growth than either of their pure species parents, and that there are significant differences in growth rates between them. We undertook a comparative study of the partitioning of above-ground biomass (AGB) to examine biomass and chloride (Cl) allocation of trees growing on two saline-irrigated sites in south-eastern Australia. Eucalyptus camaldulensis × globulus had a higher proportion of AGB in leaves (20–29% cf. 15–16%), and lower proportion in live branches (3–10% cf. 6–14%) than E. camaldulensis × grandis. The concentration of Cl was highest in the stembark (4.2–9.6 g kg⁻¹) and lowest in the stemwood (0.6–2.0 g kg⁻¹), suggesting that trees can export Cl through bark shedding. Total Cl content was strongly related to volume under bark (R² = 0.99), and differences in partitioning of Cl into tree components differed between the hybrids in the same way as AGB. Preferential partitioning of Cl to live branches rather than foliage in E. camaldulensis × grandis suggests that this hybrid may be compartmentalising Cl to reduce the risk of Cl toxicity in the leaves.     

Aggressiveness,cultural characteristics and genetic variation of Ceratocystis fimbriata on Eucalyptus spp.

Ceratocystis wilt caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata is currently one of the most important diseases affecting Eucalyptus in Brazil. This disease is controlled by planting resistant clones; however, possible variability in the pathogen population may compromise the selection of resistant genotypes. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the aggressiveness of C. fimbriata isolates obtained from Eucalyptus spp, as well as their cultural characteristics and genetic variation of their ITS rDNA gene region. We found a significant isolate × clone interaction, with the isolate RM35 being the most aggressive and presenting a broader spectrum of aggressiveness, causing greater xylem discoloration on a larger number of clones. This isolate is the most suitable for artificial inoculations focusing on the selection of resistant materials. Clones CLR‐236 and CLR‐212 were identified as the most resistant and clones CLR‐223 and CLR‐240 as the most susceptible and those that are recommended as reliable comparators in artificial inoculations. All isolates were morphologically similar and differed from C. fimbriata from sweet potato by the formation of a wide mouth endoconidiophore that produces doliform endoconidia. According to the culture media and temperature applied, the most favourable conditions for mycelial growth were observed using malt extract agar (MEA) and temperatures ranging from 24 to 26°C. There was no correlation between sporulation and aggressiveness. Great variation in ITS sequences was observed, and a total of five ITS genotypes were identified among the ten isolates tested.     

First report of Teratosphaeria gauchensis causing stem canker of Eucalyptus in Kenya

Teratosphaeria stem canker is an important disease of Eucalyptus species in many parts of the world where these trees are intensively propagated in plantations. Symptoms similar to those of Teratosphaeria stem canker were observed on Eucalyptus grandis and a E. grandis × E. camaldulensis hybrid clone in the Central Highlands of Kenya. Symptomatic bark samples were collected from two sites and the associated fungus isolated and identified using DNA sequence analyses of multiple gene regions. The pathogen was identified as Teratosphaeria gauchensis. This represents the first report of the disease and the pathogen in Kenya.     

Clonal variation in growth, arsenic and heavy metal uptakes of hybrid Eucalyptus clones in a Mediterranean environment

Variation in growth, arsenic and heavy metal uptakes by aboveground tissues (leaves, stems and branches) of 13 hybrid Eucalyptus clones selected for biomass production in a Mediterranean environment (E. camaldulensis × E. viminalis; E. camaldulesis × E. grandis; E. camaldulensis × E. globulus subsp. bicostata) was investigated on agricultural soils field-contaminated with arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chrome (Cr), lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in an ex situ nursery experiment in central Italy. Large variation in growth and contaminant uptake amongst the tested clones was observed. All plants survived and 12 clones grew better than the control (E. camaldulensis). All clones accumulated the contaminants to which they were exposed: As, Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations were significantly higher in leaves than in stems and branches, supporting the potential for phytoremediation of these contaminants by Eucalyptus short rotation woody crops (SRWC). Significant positive correlations between the average contents of Cd–Pb, Cd–Cu, Cd–Zn, Pb–Cu, Pb–Zn and Cu–Zn in the aboveground tissues were detected. Clones revealed better phytoextraction performance than that of the control. Four promising clones for biomass production and phytoremediation were identified for prospective use in SRWC on contaminated soils in Mediterranean environments.     

桉属树种与种源、家系比较试验

以９个桉属树种，其中８个种泊来自原产地，７个家系和７个杂种后代来自国内次生资源进行混合比较，５年生评价结果表明：树种、种源、家系呈极显著差异；尾叶桉及其两个种源、尾巨桉杂交种细叶桉的１３５４４种源适合本试验区戒严和格短轮伐期经营，可获得适应性和生长指标平均值超过平均水平３５％的选择效应。其中最优为１４５３４号尾叶桉种源，５年生单株材积０．０５０．６１ｍ＾３／株（８９．０３ｍ＾３／ｈｍ＾２）。种子采     

Cryphonectria canker on Tibouchina in Colombia

Cryphonectria canker, caused by Cryphonectria cubensis, has limited the development of new Eucalyptus plantations in tropical and subtropical regions. The pathogen is commonly found on Eucalyptus, but its occurrence on other hosts in the Myrtaceae has also been documented. In this study C. cubensis is reported as the causal agent of a serious canker disease on Tibouchina spp. (Melastomataceae) in Colombia. We used morphological studies, pathogenicity tests on Eucalyptus and Tibouchina, and a phylogenetic study using partial ribosomal DNA sequence data. This is the first record of C. cubensis on a host outside the Myrtaceae.     

Botryosphaeriaceae associated with Eucalyptus canker diseases in Colombia

The identities of Botryosphaeriaceae causing cankers on Eucalyptus in Colombia were investigated using morphological and DNA sequence comparisons. The pathogenicity of the species was also assessed on 42 Eucalyptus grandis clones planted at four different sites. Two species of the Botryosphaeriaceae were found to occur on E. grandis in Colombia. Neofusicoccum ribis was the more common species, and also the most pathogenic. Botryosphaeria dothidea was found only in one zone of Colombia, and was also less pathogenic than N. ribis. These two species could be distinguished easily based on DNA sequences of the ITS1/ITS2 rDNA region and EF1‐α, in addition to conidial sizes. Significant differences in resistance of clones to these pathogens were also evident from the various trials.     

Water availability preceding long-term drought defines the tolerance of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eucalyptus</Emphasis> to water restriction

Plantations of Eucalyptus species are expanding across South America into regions where drought conditions can reduce growth rate and result in substantial commercial loss. Understanding the mechanisms of drought tolerance in Eucalyptus is essential for the successful production in drought-regions. The main objectives of this study were to evaluate how water availability preceding a long-term drought period affects morphological, physiological and molecular traits of four Eucalyptus clones grown under field conditions. The study areas are located in north-eastern Brazil with an average rainfall of 800 and 1500 mm per year. At each rainfall regime, the following clones were evaluated: 1404 (Eucalyptus urophylla), 1407 (E. urophylla × E. camaldulensis), 1296 and 6500 (E. grandis × E. urophylla). Our results indicate that trees growing in the area with higher annual precipitation were more stressed after long-term drought, compared to those stands previously exposed to mild water-restriction period. The genetic materials showed distinct responses to drought, which allowed their separation in two groups: drought-tolerant (1404 and 1407) and drought sensitive (6500 and 1296). The former group shows some important adaptations to drought, such as decreased leaf area (avoiding excessive transpiration rates), higher antioxidant activity and carotenoid concentration (leading to lower lipid peroxidation). In conclusion, previous exposure to water deficit may provide the benefit of increased defense protection during future water deficit. From all measured variables, the leaf area, antioxidant compounds and changes in ¹³C and ¹⁸O isotope abundance reflect some of the most important morphological and physiological alterations in order to mitigate the water stress damage in drought-tolerant genotypes.     

Impact of Botryosphaeria,Diplodia and Neofusicoccum species on two Eucalyptus species and a hybrid: From pathogenicity to physiological performance

Species of Botryosphaeriaceae are associated with canker and dieback of Eucalyptus spp. worldwide, but little is known about their effect on the host physiology. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of Botryosphaeriaceae isolates from nine species in three genera (Botryosphaeria, Diplodia and Neofusicoccum), previously isolated from eucalypts, on three different Eucalyptus hosts (seedlings of E. nitens, cuttings of E. globulusand of E. globulus× E. cypellocarpa). An approach combining standard pathogenicity trials with evaluation of plant morpho‐physiological parameters was used. The size of the lesions produced revealed differences in fungal aggressiveness and host susceptibility. Isolates of Neofusicoccum kwambonambienseand Diplodia corticolawere the most aggressive, while Botryosphaeria dothidea and Diplodia seriataisolates were the least aggressive. In general, hybrid E. globulus× E. cypellocarpa plants developed smaller lesions, followed by E. nitens and E. globulus. Eucalyptus nitensplants showed minimal modifications on the morpho‐physiological profile when infected, although more severe symptoms and mortality were observed. This is probably due to a more variable genetic background of the plants. However, in general, no direct association between putative fungal aggressiveness and plant physiological disorders could be found. Results suggested that under optimal growth conditions plants manage to cope with pathogen attack and maintain their physiological performance.