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Controlled inoculation provides insight into western redcedar resistance to multiple root- and butt-rot pathogens

Summary

Western redcedar is an economically important tree species suffering from fungal diseases that cause wood decay and significant financial losses. Researchers developed controlled methods to test how resistant young redcedar trees are to eight different decay fungi, finding that some fungi are much more damaging than others. Importantly, they discovered that some infections remain hidden without visible symptoms but still harm tree growth, and these hidden infections can be detected using advanced DNA-based methods. This research will help forest managers and breeders develop redcedar varieties with better disease resistance.

Background

Western redcedar is a valuable forest species in North America experiencing significant economic losses due to root and butt-rot diseases. Despite showing inherent resistance compared to other conifers, the disease resistance mechanisms of redcedar to multiple fungal pathogens remain poorly understood. Genetic disease resistance has rarely been incorporated into redcedar breeding programs.

Objective

This study evaluated western redcedar seedling resistance to eight wood decay fungi using controlled greenhouse inoculation methods. The research aimed to develop artificial inoculation techniques and assess disease development patterns and latent infections to support future breeding program development.

Results

Five pathogens caused visible disease symptoms with incidence rates of 10-60%, while three pathogens caused latent infections detectable only through molecular diagnosis. Coniferiporia weirii and Poriella subacida were most virulent, causing both wood discoloration and decay. Molecular infection severity correlated significantly with reduced seedling growth regardless of visible symptoms.

Conclusion

The study established effective inoculation methods and identified variable resistance patterns among redcedar to different decay pathogens. Latent infection detected by molecular means is a key quantitative trait for resistance screening and provides essential insights for forest health management and breeding program development.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Plant Science,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 41164244
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