Short communication. A review on the efficacy tests and risk analyses conducted on Chondrostereum purpureum, a potential biocontrol agent, in Finland

J Hantula,A Uotila,K Korhonen,L Hamberg,H Vartiamäki

doi:10.5424/fs/2012212-02197

J Hantula, A Uotila + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5424/fs/2012212-02197

Copy DOI

Abstract

Hardwood sprouting is a problem in forest regeneration areas, under electric lines, on roadsides and railways. In Finland, isolates of Chondrostereum purpureum were screened by field experiments for their efficiency to control sprouting. The proportion of dead stumps with the best isolates exceeded 80% on birch (Betula pendula and B. pubescens), and C. purpureum was also found to affect the sprouting of aspen (Populus tremula) and rowan (Sorbus aucuparia). The risks of C. purpureum based biocontrol were evaluated by population genetic analysis. It showed that C. purpureum is a geographically undifferentiated species that does not reproduce clonally. The risk of infection of non-target trees was found to be highest in early spring. These findings suggest that the risks of using C. purpureum in biocontrol are small.

Highlights

Fast and abundant stump sprouting of broadleaved trees causes problems in conifer regeneration areas, where undesirable vegetation competes for light, water, nutrients, and space with more valuable conifers
The purpose of this review is to describe the developments in analyzing the potential of C. purpureum as a mycoherbicide in Finland
Hamberg et al (2011a,b) tested the efficacy of C. purpureum against rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L.) and aspen. Both of these species seemed to be sensitive to the treatment, to a lesser extent than the birches. It should be noted, that the treated saplings were smaller in diameter, and that the C. purpureum isolate used in these experiments was relatively weak, and is not among the potential strains to be selected for the commercial preparation

Summary

Introduction

Fast and abundant stump sprouting of broadleaved trees causes problems in conifer regeneration areas, where undesirable vegetation competes for light, water, nutrients, and space with more valuable conifers. Palabras clave: biocontrol; Chondrostereum purpureum; control de rebrote; análisis de riesgo. Betula pendula Roth.) are the most common hardwood species in Finland, and both of them regenerate vegetatively and sprout rapidly after cuttings.

Objectives

Results

Conclusion