Further research into treatements for Heterobasidion annosum

 

Forest Research is 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.

PG Suspension

PG Suspension is based on Phlebiopsis gigantea and is licensed for use on Pinus species in the UK at present, although ongoing research by the Tree Health Division in Forest Research is aimed at assessing its ability to colonise and prevent infection on various other economically significant conifer crops particularly the major UK crop, Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis).

Rotstop

This product is also based on Phlebiopsis gigantea is available throughout most of Scandinavia. Rotstop is manufactured by the Finnish company Verdera, and although it is formulated differently it works in the same way, and can also be applied manually or through mechanical harvesting equipment.