Abstract
The naturally occurring Verticillium nonalfalfae shows promise for biocontrol of the highly invasive Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), but might also bear a risk for non-target tree species. In this study, we conducted inoculations on potted seedlings of A. altissima as well as on eight indigenous and two invasive tree species associated with Tree of Heaven in Austria. Although vascular discolourations developed in all inoculated tree species, V. nonalfalfae was reisolated from Ailanthus and eight of the ten non-target-species, whereas typical disease symptoms and mortality only occurred on A. altissima. Results confirmed high susceptibility (S) of A. altissima to V. nonalfalfae but indicated tolerance (T) of Acer campestre, Acer pseudoplatanus and Quercus robur, possible resistance (PR) of Fraxinus excelsior, Populus nigra, Tilia cordata, Ulmus laevis and Ulmus minor and resistance (R) of Fraxinus pennsylvanica and Robinia pseudoacacia to this potential biocontrol agent. Results from seedling inoculations were confirmed by cursory field observations in Ailanthus-inoculated forest stands, where admixed A. campestre, A. pseudoplatanus, F. excelsior, Populus alba, R. pseudoacacia and U. laevis canopy trees remained asymptomatic, while mortality was induced in Ailanthus.
Highlights
IntroductionAccording to the European Commission, the annually EUwide costs caused by invasive alien species (due to the costs for health care, animal health, crop yield losses, damage to infrastructure and the navigability of rivers, and damage to protected species) are estimated to sum up to EUR 12 billion per year (European Commission 2014)
According to the European Commission, the annually EUwide costs caused by invasive alien species are estimated to sum up to EUR 12 billion per year (European Commission 2014)
The stem inoculation experiment was conducted from May 2013 to October 2014 on three-year-old potted seedlings of A. campestre, A. pseudoplatanus, Ailanthus, F. excelsior, F. pennsylvanica, Populus nigra, Quercus robur, R. pseudoacacia, Tilia cordata, U. laevis and Ulmus minor
Summary
According to the European Commission, the annually EUwide costs caused by invasive alien species (due to the costs for health care, animal health, crop yield losses, damage to infrastructure and the navigability of rivers, and damage to protected species) are estimated to sum up to EUR 12 billion per year (European Commission 2014). The European Commission adopted a list that defines restrictions on keeping, importing, selling, breeding and growing of 37 invasive alien species of Union concern Measures for early detection, rapid eradication and/or management of these species have to be undertaken that include the obligation of landowners to actively control and eliminate these species. This is either a costly obligation or—based on the current possibilities of a successful regulatory response— impossible. The current list is a compromise and does not comprise all ecologically relevant species, which are undoubtedly defined as being invasive in Central Europe (Essl and Rabitsch 2002, 2004; Kleinbauer et al 2010; BfN 2013; Info Flora 2014; LBV 2017)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
