Western gall rust, caused byPeridermium harknessiiJ. P. Moore, causes severe disease on nearly all species of hard pines includingPinus radiata, and presents a potential threat to the softwood industry of Australia and New Zealand should the pathogen be accidentally introduced into these countries. The pathogen causes formation of stem galls, which kill young trees and result in stem defect in older trees. In several regions of Australia whereP. radiatais the main softwood species, it is likely that environmental conditions may be suitable for outbreaks of disease epidemics. There is some evidence that variation in resistance to western gall rust occurs both within and between native populations ofP. radiata.In the event of introduction ofP. harknessiiinto Australia the future of radiata pine may depend on the utilisation of genetically controlled resistance, mature plant resistance and suitable management practices.
展开▼
