Recent Advances in the Monitoring, Assessment and Management of Forest Pathogens and Pests

Tiziana Panzavolta,Salvatore Moricca

doi:10.3390/f12121623

Abstract

Tree pathogens and pests are fundamental components of forest ecosystems. By killing and decomposing susceptible trees, they regulate the cycle of nutrients and energy flow, thus shaping the structure and composition of forest stands. However, ecosystems can be seriously disrupted when the population density of these parasites increases beyond their tolerance level. Ascertaining the origin of pathogen and pest outbreaks, recognizing their causal agents in a precise and unequivocal way, while understanding their reproductive and dispersive dynamics are all crucial for the implementation of effective control measures. The studies collected in this special issue cover a wide range of topics in the field of forest pathology and entomology. Investigations range from molecular diagnosis of pathogens and pests to their monitoring and quantification in the field, from measurements of their proliferation rate to the analysis of their genetic variability, from the assessment of the role of plant diversity and ecosystem heterogeneity on pathogen and pest impacts to disease and pest management. Specific case studies show how applied research conducted with innovative methods is key to solving taxonomic issues that were, until now, controversial. The variety of experimental approaches and the range of scientific issues addressed document the trends and topicality of modern forest health protection science.

Highlights

Plant Health in 2020, with the purpose of demonstrating how forest health protection from pathogens and pests must necessarily go through certain fundamental and unavoidable steps: recognizing the “enemy”; measuring/quantifying it; developing suitable strategies to combat it. These stages are stepping stones: better understanding of the parasite’s life-history strategies and impacts helps us to progress towards the final goal of disease and pest management
Simplified insect identifications based on morphological characters, their attack pattern, and signs have improved classification of these beetles which are normally difficult to distinguish from congeneric species
Brūna et al [19] have utilized wood discs to investigate the susceptibility of seven conifer species (Larix sibirica Ledeb., P. abies, Picea sitchensis (Bong.), P. contorta, Pinus strobus L., Pinus sylvestris L. and Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.)) to artificial inoculation with conidia of H. annosum sensu stricto (s.s.) and H. parviporum under controlled conditions or to natural airborne infection

Summary

Introduction

Accurate and timely diagnosis is of paramount importance for the subsequent implementation of effective disease and pest management, since it allows us to have a better understanding of the parasite’s potential impact on woodland ecosystems. M. Morelet, one of the agents of Dothistroma needle blight (DNB), an emergent pathogen harmful to both natural and plantation pine forests.

Results

Conclusion