Abstract
We tested whether the pairing of selected isolates could be used to increase the efficiency of a decay fungus Chondrostereum purpureum (Pers. Ex Fr.) Pouzar to control hardwood sprouting in Finland. We paired C. purpureum strains efficient in sprout control or highly active in laccase production, and tested the efficacy of their progeny in spout control experiments. This procedure resulted in a strain with an efficacy superior to that of the parental strains. The mortality of birch (Betula pendula Roth. and B. pubescens Ehrh.) 1 cm in stump diameter was 78%, 56% and 9% for the best progeny, the best parental strain and the control, respectively. Mortality was only slightly higher for B. pendula than for B. pubescens but no significant differences were found between the number or maximum height of stump sprouts. Our results showed that cross breeding of this decay fungus is a good alternative in attempts to produce efficient biocontrol agents against hardwood sprouting.
Highlights
In Finland, sprouting of broad-leaved trees is a hindrance in spruce
Sprout control of broad-leaved trees costs more than 60 million euros annually in Finnish forest regeneration areas, along roads and railways, and at electric power and gas pipe lines
69 C. purpureum strains were collected from birch stumps, and investigated on ABTS Petri plates revealing laccase activity
Summary
In Finland, sprouting of broad-leaved trees is a hindrance in spruce Karst.) and pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) regeneration areas, alongside roads and railways, under electric power lines and above gas pipe lines. To roads and railways, broadleaved trees form a threat to the safety of traffic as they restrict visibility, cover traffic signs and tempt moose, and are regularly removed. Electric power lines are kept open to ensure continuous electric transmission and gas pipe lines marked with visible signs are frequently cleared in order to avoid unintended excavations. Sprout control of broad-leaved trees costs more than 60 million euros annually in Finnish forest regeneration areas, along roads and railways, and at electric power and gas pipe lines (information gathered from UPM Forest Ltd., The Finnish Transport Agency, Fingrid Ltd. and Gasum Ltd.)
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