Susceptibility of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) to pitch canker, caused by Gibberella circinata (anamorph = Fusarium circinatum)

Abstract

For better characterization of the risk of pitch canker (caused by Gibberella circinata, anamorph = Fusarium circinatum) to Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), Californian isolates, selected exotic isolates, and ascospore progeny of a cross between wild-type Californian isolates were tested for aggressiveness to this host species. In addition, seedlings from representative provenances of P. menziesii in California were tested for susceptibility to pitch canker. The results revealed only minor differences between isolates, but differences in susceptibility between trees were often significant. The majority of the tested trees were relatively resistant as indicated by the development of only very short lesions, but some were clearly susceptible. © 2006 BSPP.