Heart rots in plantation hardwoods: the background to this ACIAR project

摘要

Heart-rot fungi arc wound parasites that enter through broken branches and branch stubs after self pruning, or through singling and manual pruning. Heart rot has been identified as one of the major disease problems in Acacia mangium. It was therefore important to address this problem if the benefits of tree improvement programs are to be realised, particularly where trees are grown for solid-wood products. The focus of the project activities was to assess the incidence of heart rots, including links with silvicultural practice and identify any resistance to disease. DNA-based methods were to be developed and coupled with traditional taxonomic methods to identify fungi causing heart rot. Technology-transfer activities included assisting plantation managers to reduce heart rot, and staff exchange and interaction. Preliminary work was also undertaken in respect of root rot for some of the above activities.