• Basic Information
• Additional Info

Basic Information

• Project No. and Title: NCERA193 : NCR-193: IPM Strategies for Arthropod Pests and Diseases in Nurseries and Landscapes
• Period Covered: 09/01/2006 to 09/01/2007
• Date of Report: 11/14/2007
• Annual Meeting Dates: 09/30/2007 to 10/02/2007

Participants

Accomplishments

Impacts

1. Systemic induced resistance against a defoliating insect induced by a fungal pathogen in pine, and vice versa, was demonstrated under variable nutrient availability. This is the first report of this phenomenon in a conifer or any other tree.
2. Analysis of biochemical mechanisms of resistance in pine has identified soluble phenolics and lignin as the likely primary sources of resistance to fungal pathogens in planta. Terpenoids may be associated with resistance to insect attack.
3. Analysis of biochemical responses of coast live oak to Phytophthora ramorum has identified several soluble phenolics that will be used as potential biomarkers of resistance.
4. Chokecherry plants that resist X-disease would improve natural and agricultural resource conservation. Success in our on-going efforts to find and develop X-disease tolerance in chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) would lead to it becoming the most important resource conservation shrub in the region, resulting in reduced soil erosion, improved water quality, greater wildlife benefits, and increased crop and livestock profits. In addition, it would remove the major obstacle for development of chokecherry orchards as a specialty crop, as has become popular in adjacent Canada.
5. Characterization of hardiness and stress tolerance of Dutch elm disease-resistant elms would improve urban forests in each region of the United States. Each regional site in this national study is being used to demonstrate the response of multiple Dutch elm disease resistant elm cultivars to the specific sets of environmental and biotic stresses that might affect them. Distribution of this information to urban foresters, tree nurseries, landscape planners, and the public will result in renewed acceptance of elms and in invaluable species diversity in our urban forests.
6. Characterization of the role and biology of Stigmina lautii on spruce needles will allow decisions to be made on whether or how to manage infection by the fungus. Such information is aiding in management of the millions of dollars worth of spruce in ornamental and forestry plantings and millions of dollars worth of resources protected by spruce in resource conservation plantings.
7. Surveys of wild Amelanchier plants is characterizing variability of this genus in North Dakota as it relates to condition of the resource and potential selection of plant material for the fruit and landscape industry. This project will identify at least one improved horticultural variety of juneberry for public release. The anticipated outcome of the released plant material will be improved profitability of commercial juneberry production in the US through higher yields, higher quality, and/or reduced production expense.
8. We are studying the movement of firewood in the state and region to determine the risk of moving insects and pathogens by this pathway. In cooperation with State and Federal agencies we have an active detection and education program on the risk of EAB movement. In a western U.S. survey, thirty eight percent of the retail store sold firewood was apparently from outside the state it was being sold in. We are determining if the new exotic banded elm bark beetle is a vector of the Dutch elm disease pathogen. This information will be important to future elm management especially in light of the National Elm Trial results. We are coordinating the National Elm Trial at 16 states. One of the biggest issue brought to light with the EAB studies is that there are no reliable number of ash trees at risk in the west or the amount of nursery stock or firewood movement into and with the western region so assessing risk is difficult.

Publications