Severe pine twisting rust in Scots pine increases the probability of Diplodia tip blight
In a new study, SLU researchers has investigated if the fungal disease pine twisting rust makes the pines more susceptible to Diplodia tip blight. ”The more the trees struggled with pine twisting rust, the more Diplodia we found in the shoots over the summer”, says Matilda Stein Åslund. There is likely a genetic component to this that can be used in pine breeding.
What influences the success of the spruce bark beetle in trees?
With climate change and increased risk of extreme weather, it is becoming more important to understand the factors that influence spruce bark beetle infestations. A new study from SLU suggests that the type of forest - conservation areas or production forest - matters less for the reproduction and density of spruce bark beetle in spruce trees than conditions such as soil moisture, forest structure and the presence of insect enemies. Photo: Simon Kärvemo
Major spruce bark beetle infestation over - inventory shows sharp decline
The prolonged outbreak of spruce bark beetle infestation that started in 2018 in Götaland and Svealand is over for this time. The Targeted-tailored Forest Damage Inventory (NRS) shows that the damage has decreased by 95 per cent compared to the peak year 2021.
To increase knowledge about bark stripping caused by red deer and possible countermeasures, researchers together with the SLU Forest Damage Centre have now produced a new fact compendium.
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Fungal diseases can harm trees, reduce forest productivity, and threaten biodiversity. Traditional solutions like fungicides often have downsides, such as harming the environment. In a new review, researchers from SLU and the Czech Republic explore RNA interference (RNAi) as an option.
