Project reference: 1999-01
Induced Resistance of Pinus radiata to Pine Pitch Canker
Project description:
Pitch canker, caused by Fusarium circinatum, has proven extremely destructive to wild and amenity Pinus radiata stands in California, and is a potentially devastating disease to P. radiata plantation forestry in New Zealand. Conventional disease control strategies have proven ineffective and whilst selection for resistance appears viable in the long term it can provide no protection for currently growing trees.
HortResearch scientists have developed alternative disease control strategies for P. radiata based upon resistance elicitors and biological control agents (BCAs). These strategies have provided effective control of Sphaeropsis sapinea (Diplodia pinea) in glasshouse trials and are currently being assessed for Botrytis control in a commercial nursery.
This research would investigate the potential of these strategies to confer resistance to F. circinatum infection on P. radiata seedlings. Experiments would be carried out in quarantine facilities at Forest Research, Rotorua
In summary, the combination of elicitors and BCAs presents a multi-component approach to disease control which may offer a strategy to reduce early disease-related mortality, and early establishment of chronic disease.
Research Provider:
Forest Research
HortResearch
