Dutch elm disease pathogen transmission by the banded elm bark beetle Scolytus schevyrewi

Dutch Elm Disease (DED) is a vascular wilt disease of Ulmus species (elms) incited in North America primarily by the exotic fungus Ophiostoma novo‐ulmi. The pathogen is transmitted via root grafts and elm bark beetle vectors, including the native North American elm bark beetle, Hylurgopinus rufipes and the exotic smaller European elm bark beetle, Scolytus multistriatus. The banded elm bark beetle, Scolytus schevyrewi, is an exotic Asian bark beetle that is now apparently the dominant elm bark beetle in the Rocky Mountain region of the USA. It is not known if S. schevyrewi will have an equivalent vector competence or if management recommendations need to be updated. Thus the study objectives were to: (i) determine the type and size of wounds made by adult S. schevyrewi on branches of Ulmus americana and (ii) determine if adult S. schevyrewi can transfer the pathogen to American elms during maturation feeding. To determine the DED vectoring capability of S. schevyrewi, newly emerged adults were infested with spores of Ophiostoma novo‐ulmi and then placed with either in‐vivo or in‐vitro branches of American elm trees. The inoculation of trees via feeding wounds was successful 30% of the time for in‐vivo trials and 33% for in‐vitro trials. Although the infection rate of DED has declined in Colorado over the past 10 years, the disease is still present in urban elms. While it appears that S. schevyrewi is another vector of the DED pathogens, it appears that S. schevyrewi is no more efficient than S. multistriatus. Thus, management programs that remove elm bark beetle breeding sites, rapidly remove DED‐infected elms and include the planting of DED‐resistant elms should continue to be effective management tactics.     

Dutch elm disease on the island of Gotland: monitoring disease vector and combat measures

The island of Gotland (Sweden) possesses the largest (more than one million trees) wild population of elms in northern Europe, which until recently was not affected by Dutch elm disease (DED). In 2005, DED was observed for the first time in the northeastern part of Gotland, and in the following years, it rapidly spread in all directions, generally following the major distribution of elms. Implementation of intensive control measures including ground surveys and geographic information system mapping of DED-diseased trees, their felling and destruction, and stump treatment with the herbicide glyphosate allowed reduction of the source of infection and probably suppression of an otherwise very rapid spread of the disease. Monitoring the flying periods of Scolytus multistriatus vector beetles between the years 2007 and 2011 showed that the abundance of trapped beetles in most cases differed significantly among individual years. Over the entire monitoring period, 55.2% of the beetles were trapped in June, 31.2% in July and 13.5% in August (difference among individual months significant at p?S. multistriatus, suggesting that the removal of trees attacked in the previous vegetation period as a combat measure should be completed before the beginning of the flying season of S. multistriatus, and that the application of the integrated DED management has the potential to arrest the development of the disease in a geographically isolated area such as Gotland.     

‘Morfeo’ Elm: a new variety resistant to Dutch elm disease

Dutch elm disease (DED) has spread through Europe and North America since the beginning of the twentieth century. In response, several independent genetic improvement programmes for breeding DED‐resistant elms have been established on both sides of the Atlantic. Assimilating a wide range of resistant clones of different parentage should help ensure survival of the elm in the event of mutation of the pathogen. The Italian elm breeding programme began in the late 1970s and has recently raised a new variety by crossing a specimen of U. chenmoui with the Dutch hybrid clone ‘405’. This new release, named ‘Morfeo’, is extremely resistant to DED and has an attractive form and foliage. It is also fast‐growing, tolerant of drought and soils waterlogged in winter, therefore proving well adapted to the climates of both north‐western Europe and the Mediterranean. Following trials in England, ‘Morfeo’ is considered of potential importance in the conservation of several invertebrates endangered by the consequences of DED.     

Effects of Ophiostoma ulmi and Ophiostoma novo-ulmi culture filtrates on elm cultures from genotypes with different susceptibility to Dutch elm disease

Cell cultures of callus tissue cultures obtained from four elm genotypes (Ulmus minor; Ulmus minor×Ulmus pumila; [Ulmus carpinifolia×Ulmus glabra] × [Ulmus wallichiana×Ulmus glabra]; and Ulmus pumila), either susceptible or resistant to Dutch elm disease (DED) were exposed to culture filtrates of Ophiostoma ulmi and Ophiostoma novo-ulmi. Elm cells were largely affected by crude culture filtrate incorporated into the media. However, the correlation between ‘in vivo’ cell resistance and growth in the presence of culture filtrate was poor: the effects of fungal media components were greater than that exerted by fungal exotoxins. Therefore, it is concluded that these ‘in vitro’ assays cannot be used to evaluate resistance sources to DED in elms, or to assess specific pathogenicity of fungal isolates.     

Field observations on the biocontrol of Dutch elm disease with Trichoderma virie pellets

Fifteen elm trees ranging in DBH from 25 to 40 cm were inoculated with ca. 8 mm diameter pellets containing propagules of Trichoderma viride IMI 206039 and IMI 2006040 besides nutrients. These pellets were inserted in the trunks every 10 cm around the circumference. Dead elms present upwind and downwind from the 15 treated elms remained standing during the four year duration of the experiment. No progress in the disease occurred during three growing seasons after the original treatment. During the fourth growing season (1982) 4 elms died and 11 survived, though one was severely damaged. These 11 surviving trees were retreated in September 1982.     

Physiological and biochemical differences among Ulmus minor genotypes showing a gradient of resistance to Dutch elm disease

Dutch elm disease (DED) spread across Europe and North America in the 20th century killing most natural elm populations. Today, breeding programmes aim at identifying, propagating and studying elm clones resistant to DED. Here, we have compared the physiology and biochemistry of six genotypes of Ulmus minor of variable DED resistance. Leaf gas exchange, water potential, stem hydraulic conductivity and biochemical status were studied in 5‐year‐old trees of AB‐AM2.4, M‐DV2.3, M‐DV2 × M‐CC1.5 and M‐DV1 and 6‐year‐old trees of VA‐AP38 and BU‐FL7 before and after inoculation with Ophiostoma novo‐ulmi. Leaf water potential and net photosynthesis rates declined, while the percentage loss of hydraulic conductivity (PLC) increased after the inoculation in susceptible trees. By the 21st day, leaf predawn and midday water potential, stomatal conductance to water vapour and net photosynthesis rates were lower, and PLC was higher in trees of susceptible (S) genotypes inoculated with the pathogen than in control trees inoculated with water, whereas no significant treatment effect was observed on these variables in the resistant (R) genotypes. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses revealed a different biochemical profile for branches of R and S clones. R clones showed higher absorption peaks that could be assigned to phenolic compounds, saturated hydrocarbons, cellulose and hemicellulose than S clones. The differences were more marked at the end of the experiment than at the beginning, suggesting that R and S clones responded differently to the inevitable wounding from inoculation and repeated sampling over the experimental course. We hypothesize that a weak activation of the defence system in response to experimental wounding can contribute to the susceptibility of some genotypes to O. novo‐ulmi. In turn, the decline in shoot hydraulic conductivity and leaf carbon uptake caused by the infection further exacerbates tree susceptibility to the fungus.     

Evaluation of Dutch elm disease susceptibility and pathogenicity of Ophiostoma ulmi using micropropagated elm shoots

Elm (Ulmus sp.) shoots from in vitro micropropagated plants were tested with Ophiostoma ulmi culture filtrates, at different dilutions to determine the susceptibility of different host clones to Dutch elm disease (DED). ‘Commelin’, a susceptible Dutch hybrid, showed a high wilting index but that of American elm was higher. Although U. pumila × japonica (Sapporo gold 2) was the most tolerant to spore inoculation, its wilting index was as high as that of ‘Commelin’. The absorption capacity and wilting index of the elm shoots showed consistent correlation to isolate effectiveness (as determined by inoculation experiments), to production of toxin (cerato-ulmin) and to filtrate dilution. This method could be used to assess the effectiveness of the different O. ulmi isolates and for the detection of elm genotypes that are highly susceptible to Dutch elm disease.     

Regeneration of phenotypically normal English elm (Ulmus procera) plantlets following transformation with an Agrobacterium tumefaciens binary vector

A transformation system was developed for English elm (Ulmus procera Salisbury) using Agrobacterium tumefaciens C58 pMP90 p35SGUS/INTRON, allowing for the transfer of foreign genes and regeneration of phenotypically normal elm plantlets. The PCR analysis indicated that both nptII and uidA genes were stably inserted in the plant genome. beta-Glucuronidase histochemical and fluorimetric assays revealed expression of the uidA gene in the shoots, leaves, stems and roots of regenerated transgenic plants. The DNA-DNA hybridizations confirmed the presence of the uidA gene in regenerant plants. Factors influencing successful transformation and regeneration of elms included: identifying gene-transfer-proficient Agrobacterium strains for use with elms; developing an infection protocol allowing T-DNA transfer while retaining the ability to remove inciting bacteria; and identifying selection conditions to eliminate non-transformed material and choice of regeneration medium to allow shoot production. The potential utility of an effective elm transformation and regeneration system in the control of Dutch elm disease is discussed.     

我国榆树死亡原因探讨——兼析是否发生荷兰榆病

60年代以来,新疆、内蒙、河南等地的白榆人工林和次生林陆续出现成群或成片死亡。1982—1985年,作者曾先后对其死亡情况进行了大量调查,并对病榆木质部变色条纹和危害榆树的小蠹虫做了分离培养和接种试验。从榆木枯萎症状,病菌形态及接种后无死亡现象的结果表明,均与世界流行的荷兰榆病无相似之处。初步认为齐腹小蠹是导致榆树死亡的直接原因,而干旱为小蠹虫的滋生创造了有利条件。     

Genotype × environment interaction and growth stability of several elm clones resistant to Dutch elm disease

Conventionally hybrid elm clones obtained within breeding programs for Dutch elm disease (DED) resistance were selected to meet requirements for use as ornamentals. However, it has been long and commonly observed that these clones may show hybrid vigour and enhanced growth. Nowadays DED resistant hybrid elm clones, which have been released to the market or are under evaluation for an upcoming release, are numerous enough to be considered for timber production or short rotation coppice (SRC). But experimental testing of the growth performances of these clones in different environments is still lacking. In this paper, growth and stability of performance of 24 DED resistant hybrid elm clones planted at three experimental sites with contrasting environmental conditions in Italy were studied. Height and diameter were measured yearly from 2001 to 2009, and the mean yearly increments after plant establishment were calculated. The study revealed a general good growth performance of the majority of the clones with mean height increments above 1 m/year, and an excellent growth performance of some genotypes. Analysis of variance showed significant effects of clone, site and clone × site interaction, for both height and diameter increments. Stability analysis of diameter and height increments was performed by using two parametric (CV% and W²) and two non-parametric (Hühn's S_i⁽¹⁾ and S_i⁽²⁾) indexes. According to all indexes, two clones showed superior and stable growth. These clones may be suitable for planting in a range of environments. In addition, several other clones had high growth in general or at a particular site. The results support our belief that these elm clones could be successfully used for timber and biomass production, and provide new knowledge for an informed choice of the most suitable genotypes.     

Fatty acids triggering coremia formation by Ceratocystis ulmi their occurrence and distribution in elm wood

This paper reports the identification of fatty acids in elm wood and its active extractives triggering coremia formation, their distribution between bark, sapwood and heartwood of elms, and their occurrence in the mycelium of the pathogen.     

五种榆树在榆阳区的生长适应性研究

为了丰富榆阳区榆树种类,给当地植树造林、改善生态环境以及城乡绿化提供更多优良榆树种类,从新疆和河南引进了裂叶榆、圆冠榆、大叶垂榆和金叶榆,与榆阳区乡土树种白榆对照进行生长适应研究,结果表明:4种引进榆树均可以成活生长,除白榆之外,裂叶榆和金叶榆能够完成生长、开花、结果及果实成熟等整个生命周期。生长量由大到小依次为裂叶榆、圆冠榆、大叶垂榆和金叶榆。新引进的4种榆树分别作为风沙治理、改善生态环境以及市内观赏景观树种可在榆阳区引种推广应用。     

浑善达克沙地桑根达来古榆树调查研究

榆树疏林草原是浑善达克沙地上的一种原始自然景观,被认为是最稳定的植被类型.我们把胸径＞50 cm的榆树定义为古榆树.2009年5～8月在浑善达克沙地正蓝旗桑根达来镇境内用样方法对宝绍代苏木安夏日嘎查、额木格德苏木白音胡舒嘎查等8个区域胸径＞ 50 cm的古榆树进行实地调查,结果表明:(1)该区共有古榆树308株,分布最...     

Fungitoxic properties of an antibiotic against dutch elm disease

A formulation containing solubilized Nystatin called Ceratocide, is fungitoxic to Ceratocystis ulmi (Buis.) Moreau as shown in laboratory studies. In controlled inoculations studies in eight-year-old elm saplings, Ceratocide was shown to have prophylactic utility in Dutch elm disease control when injected 2, 4 or 10 days before a challenge inoculation with C. ulmi. Therapeutic control was not obtained with a single injection of Ceratocide. Most infected trees succumbed to Dutch elm disease either during the same year of treatment or a year later.     

The spreading of the S type of Heterobasidion annosum from Norway spruce stumps to the subsequent tree stand

The occurrence of Heterobasidion annosum in stumps and growing trees was investigated on 15 forest sites in southern Finland where the previous tree stand had been Norway spruce (Picea abies) infected by H. annosum, and the present stand was either Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta), Siberian larch (Larix siberica), silver birch (Betula pendula) or Norway spruce 8–53 years old. Out of 712 spruce stumps investigated of the previous tree stand, 26.3% were infected by the S group and 0.3% by the P group of H. annosum. The fungus was alive and the fruit bodies were active even in stumps cut 46 years ago. In the subsequent stand, the proportion of trees with root rot increased in spruce stands and decreased in stands of other tree species. On average, one S type genet spreading from an old spruce stump had infected 3.0 trees in the following spruce stand, 0.5 trees in lodgepole pine, 0.3 trees in Siberian larch, 0.05 trees in Scots pine and 0.03 trees in silver birch stand. Although silver birch generally was highly resistant to the S type of H. annosum, infected trees were found on one site that was planted with birch of a very northern provenance.     

Coarse woody debris in late-successional Picea abies forests in northern Europe: Variability in quantities and models of decay class dynamics

Coarse woody debris pools and their decay class dynamics were studied in three areas of unmanaged boreal forest in northern Finland, and in the Murmansk and Arkhangelsk provinces in northwestern Russia. The study areas had varying climatic and edaphic conditions, and disturbance histories. Living and dead trees (diameter at 1.3 m height ≥10 cm) were measured in five late-successional Picea abies-dominated stands in each of the three areas. Wood density and time since death were determined from randomly sampled dead P. abies, and their decay class dynamics were modeled using stage-based matrix models.     

Die mogliche Verbreitung des »UImensterbens« durch Wurzel-verwachsungen bei Ulmus carpinifolia Gled.

Possible spread of »elm disease« in Ulmus carpinifolia Gled. through root grafts . In a stand of elms (Ulmus carpinifolia Gled.), nearly all the trees were joined in groups of various sizes by “connecting roots”.     

Detection of dead or defoliated spruces using digital aerial data

The purpose of this study was to develop a method for detecting dead and defoliated spruces and defoliated stands in remote-sensing material using a semi-automatic pattern-recognition technique, spectral properties of trees, and different degrees of defoliation. The study material included two mapped defoliation stands in the municipality of Juupajoki (61°50′N, 24°18′E) in southern Finland. The ground truth data were collected during 1996–1997. The aerial color infrared (CIR) photographs, scaled to 1:5000, were taken on 28 June 1995 and on 19 June 1997. The degree of defoliation was visually estimated for every conifer in the defoliation stands. Individual trees in the digital aerial photographs were segmented using a robust segmentation method based on the recognition of tree crown patterns at a sub-pixel accuracy. The images were filtered with a Gaussian N×N smoothing operator, and local maxima above a threshold level were segmented using a directional derivate with some constraints. The segments were placed into defoliation classes using linear Fisher classification models, the parameters of which were estimated by cross-validation. Discriminant analysis was used to find variables for the segment classification. Defoliated tree segments and stands were classified satisfactorily. The accuracy of the pattern-recognition method proved adequate for detecting dead or heavily defoliated trees and heavily defoliated stands. The method described provides an interesting approach to using digital aerial data for automatically detecting severely defoliated spruce stands or individual trees.     

绿化榆树树种常见的病虫害

榆树是北方常见的绿化树种,由于在品种的选择、栽培及气候的异常变化,使榆树近几年病虫害不断发生,特别是2010年春大量的绿化榆树死亡,不仅造成严重的经济损失,同时,也影响街区的美化绿化。文章阐述了扎兰屯地区绿化榆树的常见病虫害并提出防治建议。