Phytophthora Species: New Threats to Plant Health in Korea
- Author: mycolabadmin
- 2014-12-15
- View Source
Summary
This research reviews six potentially dangerous plant pathogens that could threaten trees and plants in Korea if introduced from other countries. These microscopic organisms can cause devastating diseases in trees, particularly in forest ecosystems. The research is important for protecting Korea’s valuable forest resources and preventing economic losses in agriculture and forestry industries.
Impacts on everyday life:
– Helps protect forests that provide recreation areas and clean air for communities
– Safeguards timber resources used in construction and manufacturing
– Preserves trees that prevent soil erosion and maintain ecosystem balance
– Protects ornamental plants used in urban landscaping
– Supports international trade by identifying risks and establishing safety measures
Background
Plant pathogens can cause devastating epidemics when introduced to new ecosystems where hosts lack genetic resistance. From 1900-2010, 34 plant pathogen species were documented as being introduced into Korea. The genus Phytophthora includes over 120 species recognized worldwide as highly invasive plant pathogens, with over 50 new species identified internationally since 2000. In Korea, 22 Phytophthora species have been identified as plant pathogens.
Objective
To review six potentially threatening Phytophthora species (P. alni, P. inundata, P. kernoviae, P. pinifolia, P. quercina, and P. ramorum) with focus on their history, disease characteristics, biology, management approaches, and plant quarantine implications for Korea.
Results
Each of the six reviewed Phytophthora species poses unique threats: P. alni causes alder root rot, P. inundata causes root and collar rot in multiple hosts, P. kernoviae causes trunk canker and leaf blight, P. pinifolia causes pine needle blight, P. quercina causes oak decline, and P. ramorum causes sudden oak death. Five of these species are regulated as quarantine pathogens in Korea, while P. inundata requires pest risk assessment for listing.
Conclusion
The reviewed Phytophthora species could cause significant damage to Korean forest ecosystems and ornamental industries if introduced. Pine (46%) and oak (18%) forests with associated alder trees are major components of Korean forests. Increased international transportation, tourism and climate change elevate the risk of introducing these pathogens. Effective quarantine measures, rapid detection methods, and management protocols are essential to protect Korean plant health.
- Published in:The Plant Pathology Journal,
- Study Type:Review,
- Source: 10.5423/PPJ.RW.07.2014.0068