Project reference: 2000-03
Testing Cypress Canker Resistance: Initial Screening Methodology
Project description:
Cypress canker disease is a significant problem faced by growers of cypress species, whether in small private woodlots or in forest plantations. The present extent of this disease is being investigated by means of a FRST-funded survey, but there is no doubt that it is currently causing widespread concern. If superior clones of cypress species genuinely resistant or tolerant to this disease can be made available, it is likely that more stands of trees will be planted, with a consequent increase in the area and quality of a valuable resource. Field screening of new stock has been helpful but insufficient, because trees that appear resistant may simply not be exposed to the disease. A surer method is to ensure full exposure by inoculating test plants with the disease fungi, and then evaluating their response in carefully established glasshouse and field trials.
A screening protocol for the routine testing of cypress clonal selections is to be inaugurated under FRST funding over the next two year period. Supplementary funding from the Forest Health Collaborative would usefully complement this programme and give the research greater standing and support. The present submission therefore constitutes a proposal for the initiation of a practical technique that will be used for routine screening. While this is not a new approach, such inoculations have not been undertaken for several years, and not by the proposer, so the technique needs to be reactivated and adapted into a simple, workable, reliable procedure.
It is therefore proposed that a protocol be initiated for screening cypress stock. A selection of fresh isolates of the cypress canker pathogens will be isolated from the field and grown and stored in culture in the laboratory. These isolates will be used to prepare standard inoculum which will be used to treat a small number of different cypress clones in the glasshouse. Several different approaches will be tried by varying the application method and frequency, and the quantity and concentration of inoculum. The experiment will be repeated, to investigate its reproducibility. An internal report on the initial work will be prepared for the Forest Health Collaborative. Subsequently, the results will be incorporated into a publication that will form part of the wider reporting of the overall research being undertaken into this disease.
Research Provider:
Forest Research
