Project reference: 2002-02
Induced Resistance in Pinus radiata against Fusarium circinatum.
Project description:
Our preliminary studies have demonstrated (reported to the Forest Health Collaborative June 2001) that elicitor treatments can be used to enhance the resistance of Pinus radiata seedlings to infection with Fusarium circinatum, the causal agent of pine pitch canker. Elicitor-treated seedlings that were inoculated with 100 spores/wound exhibited reduced disease incidence and severity. Over 70% of the treated seedlings showed no disease symptoms and, where infection was apparent, the average lesion length was reduced compared to the controls. There was no significant treatment effect at inoculum levels greater than 500 spores/wound suggesting that the induced resistance response may have been overwhelmed. However, it is unlikely that this level of inoculum would be experienced in the field. Indeed spore loads carried by some of the twig beetle vectors (Pityophthorus spp.) have been estimated, by researchers in California, to be as low as <10 spores per individual.
In this proposal we outline experiments to confirm and advance our understanding of induced resistance to pine pitch canker, and to potentially develop prescriptions for management of the disease in nurseries.
Objectives
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Verify and extend the above results by challenging elicitor treated seedlings with a lower spore concentration (closer to that experienced in the field)
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Investigate the onset and duration of the induced resistance response. (i.e. vary the time between elicitor treatment and challenge inoculation)
The experiments would be carried out in the quarantine facilities at Forest Research, Rotorua. If effective, these treatments will offer an additional strategy to reduce early disease-related mortality, and early establishment of chronic disease
Research Provider:
Forest Research
HortResearch
