Summary
Heterobasidion annosum (formerly Fomes), the cause of root and butt rot disease, is one of the most serious pathogens of commercial conifer forestry, estimated to cause losses of €800 million p.a. in Europe. However, disease free crops can be treated to prevent infection at the onset of the regeneration phase by the application of chemical or biological control agents to stumps resulting from thinning or clear fell operations. Stump treatment accounts for up to 90% of all plant protection product use in British forestry, but on high risk sites it prevents the need for extremely costly remedial treatment.
We are currently conducting field trials using two treatements, PG Suspension and Rotstop, with the eventual aim of extending the use of biological control from just pine species to spruce as well.
Information for woodland managers about the biological control of conifer root and butt rot
Research objectives
- To provide expert support of chemical (urea) and biological (PG Suspension) stump treatment products through European and UK pesticide re-registration processes
- To explore alternative biological control agents for use on Sitka spruce.
Funders and partners
This research is funded by the Forestry Commission.
Forestry Commission policy
As one of the woodland generation and creation group of projects, this research contributes to the underpinning requirement for a wide range of Forestry Commission forest and woodland strategies for England, Scotland and Wales and other UK Government and European policy objectives.
Status
This research is ongoing and is reviewed at regular intervals.
Contact
Kath Tubby
Forest Research
Alice Holt Lodge
Farnham
Surrey GU10 4LH
Tel: 01420 22255
Fax: 01420 23653
Email: katherine.tubby@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
