The fungus is highly virulent attacking Pinus species, causing pitch canker. Native to Mexico, it has spread into many of the major pine growing areas of the world and, in the early 21st Century, was discovered in southern Europe. It is arguably the most important pathogen of pine seedlings in nurseries, causing extensive mortality; mature trees may also die. Based on knowledge of spread of the pathogen to date, there is an extremely high risk that F. circinatum will spread further in Europe and Scots pine has proven highly susceptible to infection.
The researchers involved in Experiment 3 are:
Steve Woodward (University of Aberdeen): s.woodward@abdn.ac.uk
Hazel Davidson (University of Aberdeen): h.davidson@abdn.ac.uk
Photos: S. Woodward
