Biological control of intolerant hardwood competition: Silvicultural efficacy of Chondrostereum purpureum and worker productivity in conifer plantations

The vigorous vegetative reproduction of intolerant deciduous competition limits the efficacy of mechanical release operations in young softwood plantations. Applying bioherbicides such as the fungus Chondrostereum purpureum (Pers. ex Fr.) Pouzar could improve the effectiveness of release by reducing stump sprouting while gaining public acceptance. A field experiment was conducted in Québec (Canada) in two white spruce (Picea glauca [Moench] Voss) plantations invaded by intolerant hardwoods. This study compared four-year response of traditional mechanical release and mechanical release with an application of C. purpureum under the commercial formulation Myco-Tech™. The general objective of the project was to measure the silvicultural efficacy and worker productivity related to applying C. purpureum to control intolerant hardwoods in young white spruce plantations.