Zum Vorkommen von Fomes annosus (Fr.) Karst. im Boden von Fichtenbeständen (Picea abies Karst.)1

Occurrence of Fomes annosus in the soil of spruce stands (Picea abies Karst) . In stands of spruce Fomes annosus was found to occur in a viable state in the litter and soil to a depth of 25 cm. Successful isolations were obtained from 153 samples out of a total of 216. In ca. 40% of the 153 samples Fomes annosus could be isolated from 9 mg of soil; in the remaining samples it was found either in 90 mg, 230 mg or in 900 mg. The results raise the possibility of direct infection of the roots of spruce by Fomes annosus from the soil.     

Fomes annosus (Fr.) Cke. und andere Stammfäulepilze in einem Douglasienbestand,Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco1

Fomes annosus (Fr.) Cke. and other decay fungi in a Douglas fir stand, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco. 40% of the trees in a 40 years old Pseudotsuga menziesii stand showed butt rot. 85 trees were analysed for decay fungi. Fomes annosus, the most frequent fungus, also invaded the sap wood. Factors of the soil favourable to the rot and the possibility of transmission of the most frequent decay fungus, Fomes annosus, from (a) neighbouring spruce stands, (b) from the roots of Scots pine from the previous crop arc discussed. Caniophora puteana was isolated from about 10% of the butt rots. The importance of Calocera viscosa which grew out of the central decay of twelve trees as a decay fungus is still under investigation.     

Genetic variation in Picea abies (L.) Karst. and Fomes annosus (Fr.) Cke. shown by growth of the fungus on wood dust

Growth of Fomes annosus is studied by a test based on growth of previously starved hyphae on sawdust of heartwood of Picea abies as the only nutrition. Our observations show that the method can be used to distinguish beween different spruce individuals or clones, between different Fomes annosus strains and between different growing sites of the trees.     

Interspecific competition impacts on the morphology and distribution of fine roots in European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.)

Morphology and vertical distribution patterns of spruce and beech live fine roots (diameter ≤2 mm) were studied using a soil core method in three comparable mature stands in the Solling: (1) pure beech, (2) pure spruce and (3) mixed spruce–beech. This study was aimed at determining the effects of interspecific competition on fine root structure and spatial fine root distribution of both species. A vertical stratification of beech and spruce fine root systems was found in the mixed stand due to a shift in beech fine roots from upper to lower soil layers. Moreover, compared to pure beech, a significantly higher specific root length (SRL, P<0.05) and specific surface area (SSA, P<0.05) were found for beech admixed with spruce (pure beech/mixed beech SRL 16.1–23.4 m g⁻¹, SSA 286–367 cm² g⁻¹). Both indicate a flexible ‘foraging’ strategy of beech tending to increase soil exploitation and space sequestration efficiency in soil layers less occupied by competitors. Spruce, in contrast, followed a more conservative strategy keeping the shallow vertical rooting and the root morphology quite constant in both pure and mixed stands (pure spruce/mixed spruce SRL 9.6/7.7 m g⁻¹, P>0.10; SSA 225/212 cm² g⁻¹, P>0.10). Symmetric competition belowground between mixed beech and spruce was observed since live fine roots of both species were under-represented compared to pure stand. However, the higher space sequestration efficiency suggests a higher competitive ability of beech belowground.     

Fichten-Mykorrhizen auf Standorten der Schwäbischen Alb und ihre Beziehung zum Befall durch Fomes annosus

Spruce mycorrhizac and heart rot incidence caused by Fomes annosus in southwestern Germany. Naturally occurring spruce mycorrhizac on calcareous soils of southwestern Germany were investigated and classified. These soils are characterized by a relatively high incidence of heart rot caused by Fomes annosus. On comparable sites stand history (former woodlands versus former sheep pastures), though influencing heart rot incidence, had no effect on the overall distribution of mycorrhizal types. The occurrence of rare types, however, varied between sites with different stand history. For all mycorrhizal types found, isolation of the fungal symbiont was attempted. Where isolation was successful, the isolates showed no antibiotic activity against Fomes annosus.     

Beziehungen zwischen dem Ernährungszustand der Fichte (Picea abies Karst.), ihrem Kernfäulebefall und der Pilzhemmwirkung ihres Basts1

Relationships between nutrition and heart rot attack of Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst.) and the fungistatic effect of its inner bark . The fresh inner bark of Norway spruce stems and roots inhibits mycelium growth of Fomes annosus on malt agar. Nearly all fungistatic substances of the inner bark can be extracted with chloroform and acetone. The acetone-soluble fraction, which amounts to 13–27% of bark dry matter, was analysed. Up to now 12 phenolic substances have been identified, 5 of them have proved to inhibit Fomes annosus in vitro. Open-air-experiments showed, that desiccation of the root-zone, manganese deficiency and nitrogen hypertrophy decrease the inhibitory effect of the inner bark as well as its content of fungistatic substances. The degree of heart rot attack in older spruce stands was found to be negatively correlated with the N-, Fe- and Mn-concentrations in needles.     

Eine Methode zur Prüfung der Anfälligkeit und Ausbreitungsresistenz der Fichte (Picea abies Karst.) gegenüber dem Wurzelschwamm Fomes annosus (Fr.) Cooke1

A method for examining Norway spruce (Picea abies Karst.) for susceptibility and resistance to the spread of Fomes annosus (Fr.) Cooke . An easily applied method is described for determining the results of infections and the reactions of young Norway spruce to Fomes annosus. By the use of genetically homogeneous material, e. g. clonal plants, the importance of environmental factors such as nutrient supply and also the varying virulence of different fungal strains can be studied.     

Méthode ?estimation de la hauteur de pourriture dans le tronc des épicéas sur pieds attaqués par le Fomes annosus (Fr.) Cooke

Estimating the height of decay in standing Norway spruce attacked by Fomes annosus (Fr.) Cooke. A method is given for estimating the height of decay due to Fomes annosus in standing Norway spruce. A good correlation is provided by the height of the decay and, at the 1,30m level, the diameter and stage of the decay. The data were obtained using Pressler borings.     

Analysis of Norway spruce dieback phenomenon in Latvia – a belowground perspective

In 2010, dieback of Norway spruce (Picea abies) was observed in Latvia. As mostly stands on seasonally or permanently water-saturated soils were damaged, we hypothesized that the recorded foliar damage might be associated with belowground factors. We established 48 sample plots in stands with damage symptoms for soil parameter evaluation and fine root sampling to determine the number of fine roots in different growth stages and to describe the associated fungal community. Among sample plots on organic soils, there were fewer viable older fine roots and greater number of dead fine roots in more damaged sites than in less damaged. These root parameters were significantly correlated with higher groundwater level and soil pH. The fungal community was dominated by ectomycorrhizal (ECM) species (the most common was Tylospora asterophora), the endophyte Oidiodendron maius and saprotrophic species Cryptococcus magnus. Saprotrophic species had higher abundance in more damaged sites, suggesting a shift in fungal communities from ECM fungi. In conclusion, the results of this work suggest Norway spruce root system response to short-term climatic stress, which should be considered when planning spruce forest management, especially on organic soils with a high groundwater level.     

Infektion und abbau der Wurzelrinde von Fichte durch Fomes annaus1

Infection and Deterioration of Spruce Root Bark by Fomes Annosus . The paper describes the mode of infection and consequent deterioration of spruce root bark by the root rot fungus, Fomes annosus using light and electron microscope observations. Spread of fungal hyphae occurs through bore holes produced by enzymatic activity. Although a definte loss of wall substance occurs, the bark tissues primarily represent merely a pathway for the fungus before it colonieses the xylem.     

Stamm- und Wurzelfäulen in Douglasien,Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco1

Stem and root rot of Douglas fir, Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco. In 20 year old Douglas fir most of the butt rot was caused by Fomes annosus. Stem decay was central as well as eccentric reaching the sap wood in either case. The side roots of 20 year old Douglas fir were compared with those of a 40 year old stand with butt rot. In individual trees with decay there were less roots with Fomes annosus decay in the younger stand. Calocera viscosa was more abundant in the older stand. Soil conditions which might have favoured root rot in the young stand are discussed.     

Beziehungen zwischen der Ausbreitung künstlicher Fomes annosus-Infektionen in den Stämmchen zweier Fichtenklone und einigen holzchemischen Eigenschaften

The spread of Fomes annosus from artificial infections of stems, in relation to the chemical characteristics of timber of two spruce clones . Differences in the spread of Fomes annosus in two spruce clones (Picea abies Karst.), which were found by DIMITRI, may be attributed to differences in the properties of the wood from the two clones, detected in laboratory tests. Wood meal from the more resistant clone R inhibited Fomes annosus in bioassays more than wood meal from the more susceptible clone A. Wood from clne A-trees showed a higher nitrogen content than wood from clone R-trees.     

Ein Beitrag zur Regeneration und zur Infektion von Douglasienwurzeln (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) durch Pilze aus dem Boden1

On the regeneration and infection of roots of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) by fungi present in the soil. 167 roots in 4 stands were severed 40–60 cm from the base of the tree. At the proximal cut ends of the thick roots of the 40 years old trees on loamy sand, either replacement roots or callous tissue were formed (only a small percentage of those roots was invaded by rot causing Basidiomycetes), or no new roots and no callus were formed and root rot fungi (Fomes annosus, Coniophora puteana, Resinicium bicolor) had invaded the root sections from the soil. On the root sections of the 35 and 55 years old Douglas firs on sand, with the exception of 2 roots, neither replacement roots nor callus were formed; Fomes and Coniophora had invaded the thicker roots of the older trees from the soil.     

Hemmung einiger Ektoenzyme von Fomes annosus (Fr.) Cke. durch Holz- und Bastextrakte aus Picea abies (Karst.)

Inhibition of several ectoenzymes of Fomes annosus (Fr.) Cke. by wood and bark extracts from Picea abies (Karst.). Methanol soluble extractives of sapwood, heartwood and reaction zone from Norway spruce as well as acetone soluble extractives of spruce bark were tested at a concentration of 0.05 percent for inhibition of Fomes annosus enzymes cellulase, pectinase     

Long-term dynamics of leaf and root decomposition and nitrogen release in a grey alder (Alnus incana (L.) Moench) and silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.) stands

The decomposition of the leaf litter, fine roots (d?<?2?mm) and coarser roots (2?≤?d?<?5?mm) of grey alder and silver birch, as well as of α-cellulose sheets using the litterbag method was studied in two experimental stands on Podzoluvisol soils in Southern Estonia. For both tree species, the coarser roots decomposed faster than the fine roots, (p?<?.05), tree species did not affect the decomposition rate of the roots (p?>?.5). The nitrogen (N) input to soil from aboveground litter was multiple times higher than the N flux from roots. The remaining relative ash-free mass of the leaves of grey alder and silver birch after three and a half years was similar. After 11 years the remaining relative ash-free mass of the fine and coarser roots of grey alder still accounted for around 10% of the initial value. For silver birch the remaining value was around 20% after 9 years. The litterbag method to underestimates in fertile soils the decomposition of organic matter and thus did not reflect the actual dynamics of decomposition.     

Zur Feinstwurzelentwicklung sauer beregneter Jungfichten (Picea abies Karst.)

After simulating acid rain on 2-year-old spruce seedlings (Picea abies. Karst.), potted in soil of a damaged stand, no signs of stunted roots or mycorrhizal injury could be achieved. Liming had some effect on the status of the Hartig net. The findings must be seen as a result of changes in soil chemistry and successful competition of the established mycorrhiza.     

Fomannoxin,a phytotoxic metabolite of Fomes annosus: in vitro production,host toxicity and isolation from naturally infected Sitka spruce heartwood

The effect of different culture conditions on growth and production of fomannoxin and the sesquiterpene phytotoxin fomannosin by a single isolate of Fomes annosus was studied. Whereas fomannoxin was produced by actively growing hyphae, fomannosin production was associated with the declinning growth phase of the fungus. The presence of fomannoxin in chloroform extracts from the stained stein heartwood zone of Fomes annosus diseased Sitka spruce trees was established. Fomannosin however was not detected. Toxicity of fomannoxin to germinating seeds and young seedlings of Sitka spruce was demonstrated.     

Hallimasch (Armillaria mellea Vahl ex Fr.) Kumm.) als Kernfäule-Erreger an Fichte (Picea abies Karst.)

Zusammenfassung In Fichtenbest?nden (Picea abies) tritt der Hallimasch (Armillaria mellea) h?ufig als Erreger einer Kernf?ule im Stamm lebender B?ume auf. Die F?ule geht von der Basis des Wurzelstockes aus. Im Vergleich zu einer durchFomes annosus verursachten F?ule breitet sich die Hallimaschf?ule in radialer Richtung etwas langsamer, in axialer Richtung aber erheblich langsamer aus, so da? sie meist nur eine sehr geringe H?he erreicht. Die Bedingungen für das Auftreten der Hallimaschf?ule sind noch nicht bekannt.

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Summary In spruce forestsArmillaria mellea frequently is the cause of a butt rot in living stems. The decay starts in the center of the stem base. Compared toFomes annosus theArmillaria rot does grow in the radial direction slightly more slowly, but in the axial direction much more slowly. Corresponding theArmillaria rot reaches only a slight high in the stem. The conditions which promote theArmillaria rot are not yet known.

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Gef?rdert mit Hilfe von Forschungsmitteln des Landes Niedersachsen.—Dr.L. Dimitri, Dr.R. Siepmann undR. Kliefoth danke ich für ihre Mithilfe bei den Au?enarbeiten und bei den Pilzdiagnosen.     

Effects of metals and pH on in vitro growth of Armillaria ostoyae and other root and butt rot fungi of red spruce

Armillaria ostoyae, Perenniporia subacida, Resinicium bicolor and Scytinostroma galactinum, root and butt rot fungi found on red spruce, Picea rubens, were tested, in vitro, for their sensitivity to metals typically found in high elevation forest soils where red spruce grows. Rhizomorph production by A. ostoyae from woody inocula in soils from red spruce stands at three elevations at each of five mountainous sites in the eastern United States was inhibited completely in the mineral soil from all elevations at all sites, and was also reduced significantly in the organic horizon from the upper two elevations at three of the sites. Inhibition was correlated with concentrations of metal ions in the soil. Growth of rhizomorphs into an agar medium containing lead and other heavy metals was inhibited for isolates of A. ostoyae from red spruce, but not for an isolate of Armillaria gallica from sugar maple; aluminium inhibited rhizomorph growth of isolates of both species. Mycelial growth of all four root and butt rot fungi was inhibited by lead, aluminium and other heavy metals depending on the solubility and concentration of metal and pH of the medium; growth inhibition was usually greater at an initial pH of 3.5 than at pH 4.5. Metal ions inhibited radial growth of Armillaria species more than that of the other three fungi. Rhizomorph growth of Armillaria was inhibited more than radial growth. Because local spread of A. ostoyae occurs frequently by means of rhizomorph growth between near roots, increases in lead, aluminium and other metals in the forest floor may contribute to this fungus' scarcity in high elevation soils and reduced incidence of infection at these sites in the eastern United States.     

The Incidence of Root-Surface Fungi on Naturally Regenerated Picea sitchensis Seedlings in Southeast Alaska

The root-surface fungi were examined from naturally regeneratedSitka spruce obtained from recently exposed glacial outwashand mature upland soils where spruce had grown alone and inmixture with alder. Roots from the poorest trees on least fertilesoil had a high incidence of Mortierella and few other fungibut as growth and soils improved the numbers and genera of otherfungi increased The same genera occurred on roots from glacialdrift and upland soils and were the same as those found on intensivelygrown seedlings from acid heathland soil at Wareham forest nurseryin Dorest, England.