Pathology research - Disease management control

 

With a knowledge of disease biology it is often possible to develop means of controlling the disease or minimise its impact.

Example: Fomes root rot

Fomes butt rot in Sitka spruce

Some of the most serious tree diseases are those caused by root-rotting fungi. Fomes root and butt rot (Heterobasidion annosum) is a major problem in conifer plantations in the northern hemisphere.

Detailed work on the biology of this disease over many years has led to the development of a number of approaches to control. For example a model of disease development has been devised which is being used to help managers to decide on the right approach for their particular woodlands.

Models of the development of Fomes butt rot over three rotations of Sitka spruce