Background for PATHCAR

PATHCAR - Virtual Centre of Advanced Research in Forest Pathology

Nordic forests are healthy – but there are threats

Wood-decaying fungi are the most economically serious pathogens in the Nordic forests, especially root rot in the southern part of the region. Other important pathogens include Gremeniella abietina, Cronartium and Peridermium rusts, Melampsora pinitorqua on Scots pine and Melampsoridium betulinum on birch. There are also many pathogens which are not native, but have invaded from other regions. The most important of these is Dutch elm disease, while recent invaders include Melampsoridium hiratsukanum on alder and Phytophtora ramorum, which is suspected to be involved in the decline of oaks in USA.

In addition to diseases in true forests, a number of pathogens can severely affect nurseries, including Scleroderris canker, uninucleate Rhizoctonia on conifer roots and Phytophthora cactorum on birch seedlings.

Despite these diseases, the overall health of the Nordic forests must be regarded as good. However, there are emerging threats which must be professionally addressed. The first is the increasing risk of pathogens spreading from other regions to Nordic countries due to globalisation of the world economy and the accompanying rise in transportation of plant material. The second is the possibility that predicted climate changes will allow new pathogens to thrive in Nordic conditions. These new threats must be addressed by cooperative efforts of research groups based in all of the Nordic countries.

Source: SNS News and Views 1/2006 (pdf)

SNS - SamNordisk Skogforskning - Nordic Forest Research Cooperation Committee