Plant Pathology 500: Insects and Diseases in Forest Management
(also Entomology and Forest Ecology and Management)
Despite co-occurrence of a multitude of fungal pathogens with susceptible
tree species, most forests remain generally "healthy" and productive most of
the time. However, this dynamic balance periodically is upset, and disease
epidemics occur in both natural forests and among planted trees. We are
particularly interested in how changes in tree condition (induced by climate,
competition, insect pests, or forest management practices) and diversity
within populations of fungal pathogens influence the incidence and severity
of diseases of trees. Much of our recent effort involves investigations
of the fungus Sphaeropsis sapinea , causal agent of pine shoot blight
and canker, and its interactions with red and jack pines. Studies include:
(1) molecular genetic comparisons among isolates of S. sapinea and
related fungi; (2) greenhouse evaluations of the host range and aggressiveness
of distinct populations of these fungi; and (3) forest and controlled environment
studies of host moisture, nutrition, and geographic seed source effects
on pine shoot blight and canker development.
We also maintain the interest and flexbility to respond to changes in the health of Wisconsin's forests that result from new or increasingly important tree disease problems. Among these are root rot of conifers caused by Heterobasidion annosum and diseases caused by fungi in intensively-managed poplar plantations. Members of our group work closely with state, federal, and private pest specialists and foresters. Together, we integrate previously-existing knowledge and recent research results into current practices and future plans for maintaining the environmental, social, and economic benefits derived from healthy trees and forests.
Stanosz, G. R., Swart, W. J., and Smith, D. R. 1999. RAPD marker and isozyme characterization of Sphaeropsis sapinea isolates from diverse coniferous hosts and locations. Mycol. Res. 103:1193-1202.
Stanosz, G. R., Swart, W. J., and Smith, D. R. 1998. Similarity between fungi identified as Diplodia pinea f. sp. cupressi in Israel and Botryosphaeria stevensii on Juniperus in the United States. Eur. J. For. Path. 28:33-42.
Blodgett, J. T., and Stanosz, G. R. 1998. Monoterpene and phenolic concentrations in water-stressed red pine inoculated with Sphaeropsis sapinea. Phytopathology 88:245-251.
Stanosz, G. R., Smith, D. R., Guthmiller, M. A., and Stanosz, J.C. 1997. Persistence of Sphaeropsis sapinea on or in asymptomatic shoots of red and jack pines. Mycologia 89:525-530.
Blodgett, J. T., Kruger, E. L., and Stanosz, G. R. 1997. Sphaeropsis sapinea and water stress in a red pine plantation in central Wisconsin. Phytopathology 87:429-434.
Maxwell, D. L., Kruger, E. L., and Stanosz, G. R. 1997. Effects of water stress on colonization of poplar stems and excised leaf disks by Septoria musiva. Phytopathology 87:381-388.
Blodgett, J. T., Kruger, E. L., and Stanosz, G. R. 1997. Effects of moderate water stress on disease development by Sphaeropsis sapinea on red pine. Phytopathology 87:422-428.
Blodgett, J. T., and Stanosz, G. R. 1997. Sphaeropsis sapinea morphotypes differ in aggressiveness, but both infect nonwounded red or jack pines. Plant Dis. 81:143-147.
Stanosz, G. R., Smith, D. R., and Guthmiller, M. A. 1996. Characterization of Sphaeropsis sapinea from the west central United States by means of random amplified polymorphic DNA marker analysis. Plant Dis. 80:1175-1178.
Stanosz, G. R., and Cummings Carlson, J. 1996. Association of mortality of recently planted seedlings and established saplings in red pine plantations with Sphaeropsis collar rot. Plant Dis. 80:750-753.
Stanosz, G. R., and Smith, D. R. 1996. Evaluation of fungicides for control of Sphaeropsis shoot blight of red pine nursery seedlings. Can. J. For. Res. 26:492-497.
Smith, D. R., and Stanosz, G. R. 1995. Confirmation of two distinct populations of Sphaeropsis sapinea in the north central United States using RAPDs. Phytopathology 85:699-704.
Mail inquiries to
Glen R. Stanosz
Updated November 1999 (wab)
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