Characterization of Fusarium species from Pinus and Eucalyptus nurseries in Colombia and South Africa

Abstract

The success of the forestry industry in the world and particularly the Southern hemisphere can be attributed to the choice of fast and easy-growing exotic pine and eucalypt tree species, which have been planted separated from their natural enemies. In South Africa, species of Pinus, Eucalyptus and an Acacia species have been planted to sustain commercial forestry. This industry in South Africa is at risk, however, because of pest and pathogen movement around the world. Various species of Fusarium represent some of the most serious threats to the forestry industry. The genus includes a large number of species, many of which are important plant pathogens with host ranges that include species in Pinus, Eucalyptus and Acacia. An important and well known example in South African commercial forestry is Fusarium circinatum, which causes the disease known as pitch canker. Research on this pathogen has advanced our understanding and ability to identify the pathogen rapidly and to establish measures that will contain its spread. Identification of pathogens such as species of Fusarium represents a first step towards developing control measures. Diseases caused by emerging pathogens are becoming more complex due to exacerbating factors such as the effect that climate change might have on host-pathogen interactions. Understanding of all these factors should contribute to an enhanced capacity to protect forest plantations in the future.