Research Papers

Document Title

Author

Document Size

Document Type

Date

Project: 2002-05. Report - Identification of the pheromone of the defoliator Pseudocoremia suavis (Lepidoptera: Geometridae)

• This report summarises work undertaken in 2002–2004, for the New Zealand Forest Health Research Collaborative, to identify the sex pheromone of the common forest looper, Pseudocoremia suavis (Lepidoptera: Geometridae). Pseudocoremia suavis is a polyphagous native moth whose larvae also eat the leaves of Pinus radiata. In the past P. suavis has been responsible for major deforestation in P. radiata plantations notably at Eyrewell Forest, North Canterbury and in Kaingaroa Forest, Bay of Plenty.

Gibb, Suckling,El-Sayed, Bunn

196.03 kB

.pdf

2004 

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Project: 2002-04. Report - Fusarium circinatum – an agent of damping–off disease

• The susceptibility of six plantation and two pasture species of plants, to damping–off caused by Fusarium circinatum and to Fusarium oxysporum, was compared.
• Fusarium circinatum is the agent of pine pitch canker disease and can cause damping–off of seedlings in addition to causing canker and dieback of older plants. Fusarium oxysporum is a common inhabitant of nursery soils in New Zealand, causing damping–off and root rot to a number of species when soil moisture is high and conditions are conducive to disease.

Dick, Simpson

288.33 kB

.pdf

2003

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Project: 2002-03. Report - Field guide to common pests, diseases and other disorders of Radiata pine in New Zealand. Other disorders

• Field guide contains extract of pages 40–55; "Other Disorders". Covers various mineral deficiencies and types of damage caused by weather or pesticide

Chapman 

551.60 kB

.pdf

2005 

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Project: 2002-02. Report - Induced seedling resistance in Pinus radiata seedlings to pinke pitch canker

• A study was conducted to assess the potential for using elicitors to protect Pinus radiata seedlings against infection with Fusarium circinatum, the causal agent of pine pitch canker. Elicitor treatments, applied either six weeks or one week before inoculation, were compared with a commercial fungicide applied 1 week before inoculation. Treated plants were wounded then inoculated with either 10 spores or 100 spores at the wound site in order to mimic low and high disease pressure conditions. Elicitor treatment and fungicide treatment reduced the onset of disease development, as indicated by a reduction in incidence and lesion length. At low inoculum levels all of the treatments significantly reduced disease incidence and severity. At high inoculum levels there were no significant differences between treatments during the early stages of symptom development. However, by 50 days post inoculation it was apparent that there was a significant reduction in plant mortality on seedlings that had been treated with elicitor at 1 week before inoculation. These results confirm our previous findings that elicitor treatment can reduce the severity of infections caused by F. circinatum. There are indications that the plant response may be overcome by high inoculum pressure, particularly when the duration between treatment and inoculation extends to six weeks. Repeated elicitor applications may be advisable under high disease pressure conditions.

Dick, Reglinski

426.36 kB

.pdf

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Project: 2002-01. Report - Assessment and Control of Dothistroma needle-blight

• The object of this handbook is to provide a source of reference and an introduction to the routine forestry practice of treating exotic pines against Dothistroma needle-blight.The information provided has been gained from over 30 years of research and experience in operational control of Dothistroma needle-blight.This handbook updates three previous versions,published in 1979,1982,and 1988,and it is hoped that readers will find it a useful reference guide for running a successfulDothistroma control programme.

Bulman, Gadgil, Kershaw, Ray

244.94 kB

.pdf

2004

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Project: 2001-08. Report - Dothistroma prediction model (2001–08)

• A model to predict the Dothistroma spray programme was developed by testing the effect of rainfall, raindays, and inoculum in previous season on the percentage of susceptible area sprayed in individual years from 1966 to 2002 at Kaingaroa and Kinleith. For both data sets a multiple regression using average monthly rainfall from November–February (including October or March rainfall if 200 mm or more), total raindays of at least 0.1 mm from November–February, and the percentage of susceptible area sprayed in the previous season to predict area sprayed gave reasonable results. The Kaingaroa data set gave an R2 of 0.53 and for Kinleith R2 = 0.70. Some of the unexplained variation was attributable to incomplete or inaccurate input data, management decisions influencing area sprayed, and, possibly, exceptional climatic events such as a wetter and warmer than average September or April.

Bulman

198.83 kB

.pdf

 2003

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Project: 2001-07. Report - Assessment and Control of Dothistroma Needle-Blight

• The object of this handbook is to provide a source of reference and an introduction to the routine forestry practice of treating exotic pines against Dothistroma needle-blight. The information provided has been gained from over 30 years of research and experience in operational control of Dothistroma needle-blight. This handbook updates three previous versions, published in 1979, 1982, and 1988, and it is hoped that readers will find it a useful reference guide for running a successful Dothistroma control programme.

Bulman, Gadgil, Kershaw, Ray

244.98 kB

.pdf

 2001

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Project: 2001-06. Report - Use of aerial spray simulation models for pest eradication, management and contingency planning

• Plant canopies are often the direct or indirect target during aerial spraying. Therefore, there are benefits from understanding and being able to model the factors influencing spray deposition in canopies. Potential benefits from havingmodels that simulate spray interception by canopies include the ability to define application methods and conditions necessary to maximize spray efficiency (i.e., achieve the biological objective with a minimum dose) and to minimize off–target environmental impacts. An experimental study was undertaken to measure spray interception by a discontinuous radiata pine canopy. Two droplet size treatments (volume median diameters of 596 versus 295 m) were applied using a Jet Ranger helicopter, with eight replications of each treatment. Spray deposition was measured on horizontally oriented plastic tubes, which were threaded onto strings located at different layers through a 3 m high canopy. Other measurements included leaf area distribution within the plot and meteorological conditions, with helicopter flight line location and release height determined from a global positioning system. Spray attenuation through the canopy was greater with the smaller droplet size, with only 34% of the spray reaching the lowest sampling level compared to 46% with the larger droplets. Predictions of spray attenuation by the optical canopy model in AGDISP did not closely match measured attenuation.

Richardson, Thistle 

102.82 kB

.pdf

2002

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Project: 2001-05. Report - Risk modelling & strategies for eradication/control of gypsy moth for New Zealand

• If GM establishes in New Zealand and eradication is unsuccessful, then ongoing population suppression will be required. If GM arrives in NZ without its natural control agents, as is most likely, then the population will go through substantial outbreaks. Early introduction of a range of agents, suitable for use in NZ, will be required

Glare, Walsh, Kay, Barlow 

2.63 MB

.pdf

2003

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Project: 2001-03. Report - Are plantation forests with increased biodiversity more resistant to pest outbreaks?

• This study confirms that exotic plantation forests can provide habitat for a diverse understorey and insect fauna with a large proportion of indigenous species, including some rare or threatened species. Despite the homogeneous character of the land occupied by Eyrewell Forest and the almost identical stand structure and age distribution, there is considerable variation in the understorey among stands.

Brockerhoff, Jactel 

 6.38 kBkB

.pdf

2003

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Project: 2001-02 . Report - The economic impact of the Monterey pine aphid – Year 2

• This report presents the results of a monitoring programme to determine the pest status of the Monterey pine aphid, Essigella californica (Essig), in Pinus radiata plantations in Hawke´s Bay. This programme was developed in collaboration with Forest Research scientists, who are undertaking similar work in radiata forests in the Bay of Plenty (see report below 2000-01)

Herman, M. Davidson and C. Appleton

 Project: 2001-01.

.pdf

 Project 2000-04. Report - Biological control of blackberry

• Of the brush weeds, blackberry (Rubus fruticosus agg.) is second in New Zealand only to gorse, in terms of the volume of herbicide sold for its control. The weed competes with plantation trees (of both major and minor forest species) and interferes with silvicultural activities. A successful biological control programme against blackberry would significantly decrease financial and environmental costs associated with this weed and its control.

Barton 

105.95 kB

.pdf

2004

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 Project 2000-03. Report - Inoculation Studies with the Cypress Canker Fungus Seiridium unicorne

• Glasshouse studies were undertaken to investigate the feasibility of developing a protocol for screening field-selected cypress stock for resistance to cypress canker disease. Seedlings of Cupressus macrocarpa were inoculated with two isolates of Seiridium unicorne by inserting pieces of mycelium in agar culture into wounds made in the stem. Both isolates induced tissue damage in all plants, but degree of virulence varied between isolates, as indicated by extent of lesion development and, initially, by the level of foliage browning. Variation was also found in the degree of susceptibility among a number of families of C. macrocarpa, as determined by lesion length. However, family rankings were not consistent when plants were treated with different isolates of S. unicorne. Tissue damage and foliage browning were more severe at higher temperatures.

.pdf

 Project 2000-02.  Report - Blue Stain in Roots and Root Collars of Pinus radiata and Association with Cattle Grazing

• Blue stain in the roots and butts of Pinus radiata in a stand on the Coromandel Peninsula was associated with on-going mortality during the 1980´s. During six years of monitoring the stand, from age 8 to age 14, 7 percent mortality was recorded.

.pdf

 Project 2000-01. Report - Monitoring Monterey Pine Aphids to define their pest status in New Zealand

• This report presents the results of a monitoring programme to determine the pest status of the Monterey pine aphid, Essigella californica (Essig), in Pinus radiata plantations in Hawke´s Bay. This programme was developed in collaboration with Forest Research scientists, who are undertaking similar work in radiata forests in the Bay of Plenty.

.pdf

 Project: 1999-05. Report - Low-Level Helicopter Surveillance Trial

• It is recommended that small helicopters such as the Robinson R22 be used for low-level surveillance applications, especially over forests where there is no ground access, or there is a need for accurate geo-referencing of health disorders. Low-level surveillance should be undertaken at between 200 - 500 ft above ground, varied with respect to stand height. Surveillance flight lines should be spaced at 100 - 150 m in order to maximise disease symptom detection at a distance. Survey flight speed should be approximately 50 knots, considering that surveyors do have the opportunity to hover the aircraft. For precise referencing of health disorders, especially in individual trees, the helicopter must be brought down to a height where the surveyor minimises the blind spot area beneath them.

Project: 1999-04. Report - Possum Risk and Impact on Radiata Pine– Final Report

• Many forest blocks suffer possum damage throughout the life of the stand although its impact on stand health and productivity is probably confined to the first 15 or 20 years of growth. Visual damage to many stands, particularly those adjacent to indigenous forest, suggest possums are having a significant impact on tree form and providing entry to such pathogens as Diplodia. Although remedial action is available to managers, the impact of damage over the life of the stand is unclear.

 Hosking

Project: 1999-03. Report - Biological Control of Broom: Host Range Testing of the Broom Gall Mite Aceria genistae

• Landcare Research was contracted by the Forest Health Research Collaborative (FHRC) to carry out host range testing of the gall mite, Aceria genistae, a potential biocontrol agent for broom, Cytisus scoparius, in New Zealand from June 1999 to October 2000

 Project: 1999-02. Report - Canopy Indicator Assessment: A Method for Monitoring Brushtail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) Damage to Pine Plantations

• Brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) now occupy most areas within New Zealand that are suitable for plantation forestry. Possums browse the terminal shoots of pine seedlings, bite and strip the bark of young stems to get at the cambial tissue, remove needles and cones, and bend or break terminal shoots and lateral branches in the upper portion of the tree. Damage is most commonly reported from young stands. It rarely kills established trees, but can lead to reduced vigour, loss of apical dominance, and an increased incidence of fungal diseases. Where possums are suspected of damaging pine plantations forest managers need to be able to determine when control is required, which areas should have priority, whether control achieves its goals, and when further control measures will be necessary. Reliable inferences and predictions about possum damage can only be obtained from robust, quantitative data. In this manual we discuss the design of surveys to monitor possum damage in pine plantations, and describe a new method for assessing possum damage to pine trees. Canopy Indicator Assessment is a scoring method that uses ground–based assessment of individual trees to determine the nature and extent of possum damage within pine stands, and the degree to which this is reduced as a result of possum control operations. Options for analysing data are outlined.

Payton, Frampton

770.65 kB

.pdf

2003

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 Project: 1999-01. Report - Induced Resistance in Pinus radiata Against Fusarium circinatum

Pitch canker, caused by Fusarium circinatum, has proven extremely destructive to wild and amenity Pinus radiata stands in California, and is a potentially devastating disease to P. radiata plantation forestry in New Zealand. Conventional disease control strategies have proven ineffective and whilst selection for resistance appears viable in the long term it can provide no protection for currently growing trees. HortResearch scientists have developed alternative disease control strategies for P. radiata based upon resistance elicitors and biological control agents (BCAs). These strategies have provided effective control of Sphaeropsis sapinea (Diplodia pinea) in glasshouse trials and are currently being assessed for Botrytis control in a commercial nursery. This research would investigate the potential of these strategies to confer resistance to F. circinatum infection on P. radiata seedlings. Experiments would be carried out in quarantine facilities at Forest Research, Rotorua. In summary, the combination of elicitors and BCAs presents a multi-component approach to disease control which may offer a strategy to reduce early disease-related mortality, and early establishment of chronic disease.

Reglinksi,

Dick

 June

2001

Project 1998-06 - Swiss Needles Cast of Douglas-Fir - A Review

A comprehensive review of the published literature of Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii on Pseudotsuga menziesii, with emphases on potential control and management options, particularly in relation to the growth of Douglas fir in New Zealand. Emphases will also be placed on more recent research developments.

Forest Research

Project: 1998-05. Pine Pitch Canker - Seed Treatments and Seed Testing

Recent results from researchers in California (Dr T Gordon pers. comm.) indicate that a percentage of the Pinus radiata seed collected from pine pitch canker infected areas carries a deep-seated infection of Fusarium subglutinans f sp. pini which cannot be detected by the seed screening procedures currently in use in New Zealand. Furthermore seedlings grown from such seed may not manifest this latent infection for several months following germination. This information has led MAF Quarantine to impose further restrictions on the importation of pine seed from pitch canker infected areas. The Chief Plants Officer has approved the categorisation of F. subglutinans f. sp. pini as a Risk Group 2 pest. All seed imports will now require Level 3 (high security) post entry quarantine screening. This categorisation will severely curtail the importation into New Zealand of genetic material as seed from a number of locations.

An effective seed treatment which can demonstrably eliminate seed infections may lead to a relaxation of these restrictions. In Australia AQIS requires heat treatment of pine seed imported from North America before release. However it is not known whether this treatment will eradicate F. subgIutinans f. sp. pini from conifer seeds.

We propose contracting a programme in California to heat-treat F. subglutinans f. sp. pini infested seedlots with different temperature/time combinations to test for the effectiveness of eliminating the fungus Preliminary evaluation of the limits imposed by reduction of germination percentages would be carried out in New Zealand. The effectiveness of a recently developed fungicide with putative eradicant properties would also be tested in the programme.

As there remains some doubt about the potential for Douglas fir seed to carry F. subglutinans f. sp. pini the programme could be expanded to evaluate the risk that this seed poses. Douglas fir seed would be collected from pitch canker-infected areas where Douglas fir and radiata pine grow in mixed stands to test for both external and internally-borne infection.

Dick, Turner

Project 1998-04 Cyclaneusma Needle-Cast Bulletin

Over the last 25 years the Forest Health group at FRI have undertaken a considerable amount of research on Cyclaneusma minus. Much of this work has been published in various papers, and recent work has been documented in unpublished project records. It is proposed to produce a bulletin on Cyclaneusma that covers all the work carried out so far on the biology of the fungus, its effect on growth, and methods of control. The part on biology of the fungus will cover symptoms, infection cycle, and taxonomy of the fungus. There is evidence that there are three strains of Cyclaneusma that affect Pinus radiata in New Zealand, the distribution of these strains will be shown. Research is currently being undertaken on the pathogenicity of each strain, results to date will be presented. Data on the effect of Cyclaneusma on tree growth have been collected from trials at Northland, Auckland, Kaingaroa, East Cape, Wellington, Nelson and Otago. Estimates of the growth loss of individual trees and of stand growth will be made. The incidence and severity of the disease in specific regions will be shown, based on results of aerial surveys and data collected by Forest Health Officers.

Results from trials set up to determine if the disease can be managed by selective thinning will be presented, along with results from trials on chemical control. The effect of pruning and thinning on disease incidence and severity will be discussed. All the research on Cyclaneusma carried out by FRI will be presented in a single published up-to-date document, which will make referring to the disease much easier than referencing separate papers that were published over a span of 10 years.

Bulman, Gadgil

1022.68 KB

.pdf

2001

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Project 1998-03 - Sphaeropsis sapinea (Diplodia pinea) - A Review

A substantial body of work on the Sphaeropsis sapinea (Diplodia pinea) diseases of Pinus radiata in New Zealand was carried out over a period of 15 years (1972 - 1987) by Dr S Chou based at the Forest Research Institute. The experimental programme covered whorl canker, crown wilt and primary shoot infection. Results from the trials led to recommendations for minimising infection of pruned stubs and to an understanding of the circumstances and conditions under which the less common crown wilt and shoot infection occur, thereby allowing identification of sites where these diseases might be significant. Field observations of apparent variation in susceptibility to shoot infection were followed by glasshouse testing of the progeny of resistant trees and a programme investigating the relationship of levels of certain monoterpenes in shoots and the absence of dieback. A series of publications, and a number of unpublished FRI reports cover this work..

Dick

June 1999

Project: 1998-02. Report - Cyclaneusma Needle-Cast in New Zealand

Chapter 1 describes the biology of Cyclaneusma minus - its pathogenicity, infection and spore dispersal periods, and effect of climate on disease severity. Cyclaneusma minus was proved to be pathogenic to Pinus radiata. There were two peak periods of needle-cast, in spring and autumn, and the greatest number of fruiting bodies was found in autumn-winter (May to August). Cyclaneusma minus spores occurred most frequently in autumn-winter and spore release was dependent on rainfall. Infection by C. minus first occurred in autumn-winter (May-June) when needles were about 8-9 months old. Most of the infected needles were shed when they were about a year old, but some needles were retained until the following winter. The peak infection period is during autumn-winter, if rainfall is frequent and daily mean temperatures are above 10˚C during that period then severe needle-cast may be expected the following spring.

Project 1998-02 - Database of New Zealand plant diseases

It gives comprehensive coverage of published records (up to June 1999) of fungal pathogens on tree and shrub hosts in New Zealand. Trees have been liberally interpreted, and disease records have been extracted from the literature for all trees (plantation, exotic, indigenous, fruit, shrubs). The database currently contains 10,487 entries. Set up by Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd

McKenzie, Pennycook, Thoreau

Link to website

June 1999

Project 1998-01 - Report: Multiple–Entry Key Aphids on Forest Trees in New Zealand

A multiple entry key for wingless and winged aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae) on New Zealand forest trees is described. Approximately 25 aphid species found on economically important forest trees as well as at least 30 species not found in New Zealand, but considered to be of quarantine importance, are included. Simple key characters in discriminating matrices are used for aphid identification.

Teulon

1999

Project 1997-04 Report - Field Guide to Common Pests, Diseases and Other Disorders of Radiata Pine in New Zealand

This guide describes the common disorders of radiata pine plantations which, unless otherwise stated, occur throughout the whole of New Zealand. It is concerned primarily with damage caused by pests, diseases, and environmental factors, and the key features which aid their identification. Care should be taken when diagnosing disorders of radiata pine as some agents cause similar symptoms which may be easily confused, and more than one agent may be present on a tree.

The guide was compiled with the assistance of Roger Crabtree and Margaret Dick, and others from the Forest Health, Plant Protection Chemistry, and Soils groups of Forest Research. Funding support was provided from the New Zealand Forest Health Research Collaborative. All photographs are by Forest Research staff unless otherwise indicated.

Chapman

1999

Project 1997-03 - Report - Pitch Canker – the Threat to Australasia. A Discussion Paper

Pine pitch canker, caused by the fungus Fusarium subglutinans f. sp. pini is a serious disease of many species of pine and has been recorded from the USA, Haiti, South Africa, Mexico and Japan. It has proved to be particularly devastating to Pinus radiata in its natural range in California, where the disease was first reported in 1986. The fungus infects vegetative and reproductive plant parts of P. radiata of all ages. Shoots, branches, cones, seed, stems and exposed roots may all become infected. With the exception of seed, infected tissues become resin–soaked, developing a characteristic honey colour, and typically copious resin exudation occurs at the point of initial infection. Multiple branch infections may occur and dieback will generally spread within the crown prior to the initiation of stem infections. Mortality follows either girdling of the stem by several stem infections or attack by bark beetles attracted to stressed trees. Young trees (up to 4 years old) may wilt and die following a single basal infection at soil level and in these trees resin flow occurs on the stem at, or just above, the ground. Seedlings may develop root–rot typical of that caused by a range of common nursery soil pathogens, or damp–off if very young.

Dick, Bain

July 1997

Project 1997-02 - Report - Diagnostic spectral features of Pinus radiata foliage

Landcare Research, Palmerston North, measured and analysed the reflectance of Pinus radiata foliage to determine whether common forest health problems could be distinguished from healthy foliage and forest floor litter using spectral features in the visible to mid-infrared wavelength range. The client was the Forest Health Collective, Rotorua.

Trotter, Hosking

May 1998

Project 1997-01 - Report - An Introduction to the Diseases of Forest and Amenity Trees

This book has developed from notes prepared for teaching courses on forest and amenity tree diseases for tree health surveillance staff in government and industry, and is a basic introduction. Tree health surveillance in New Zealand concentrates on exotic plantation species and in particular Pinus radiata. However, knowledge of the diseases of some amenity and native species, especially in the urban landscape, is also required as surveillance staff may be required to carry out surveys for new disease introductions. The economic importance of tree species is a direct indicator of the amount of knowledge available and this is reflected in the examples used in the text with the majority of examples being drawn from plantation forestry. This book is not a fungicide manual and simply notes reports of treatments that have been tried.

The book falls into two sections: the first introduces some basic concepts in the study of plant diseases and fungal biology and is modelled on Callan & Funk (1994). Part two outlines a selection of tree diseases and has drawn heavily from Forest Research´s "Forest Pathology in New Zealand" leaflet series, with new information added where appropriate.

Ridley, Dick

2001

Document Title

Author

Document Size

Document Type

Date

Project: 2010-03. Report - Quantifying the impact of Swiss needle cast of Douglas–fir
Forest Health News # 213

• Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii, the cause of Swiss needle cast of Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), has been present in New Zealand for more than 50 years. Although much is now known about this disease, important questions remain.  irstly, symptoms are not spectacular, raising questions about its real importance. Stands still look green so does infection really reduce growth, and if so by how much? Secondly, direct control using aerial spraying is not economic, so what is the best way to manage it? In particular, are there regions in New Zealand where improved varieties of Douglas fir can be established without being too severely affected by the disease?
• Predicting the severity of Swiss needle cast on Douglas-fir under current and future climate in New Zealand - Forest Ecology and Management 260 (2010) 2232–2240 - download (.pdf 668.08 kB)

Scion

271.89 kB

.pdf

Feb 2011

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Project: 2009-04. Report - Optimising Phytophthora Management in radiata pine seedlings

• The most common causal agents of root rot in forest nurseries are species of the oomycete genus Phytophthora. Phytophthora cinnamomi and Phytophthora cactorum  are widely distributed in New Zealand. Phytophthora spp. produce motile zoospores that require free water for dispersal. Although young seedlings of many plant species are susceptible to infection, phytophthora root rot is seldom a problem in plantations in New Zealand.

T.Reglinski

345.31 kB

.pdf

2009

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Project: 2009-03. The role of bark beetles as vectors in the colonisation of windthrown timber by fungi

• Earlier work that was undertaken at the beginning of this study has already been published: Predicting sapstain and degrade in fallen trees following storm damage in a Pinus radiata forest. Forest Ecology and Management 260, 1456-1466 - download (.pdf - 383.51 kb)

McCarthy, Brockerhoff,  Hood, Carlson, Varsani, Didham

855.72 kB

.pdf

May
2011

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Project: 2009-02. Report - Revision of the NZFFA web site on forest pests & disease

• Pests & disease information database for forestry

Satchell

link

2009

Project 2009-01. A guide to understanding nectria flute canker-related defect in mature trees

• The primary objective of this field guide is to assist in the identificatoin and assessment of defect caused by nectria lfute canker in mature trees, with particular reference to pre-harvest invenotry of prunded stems. A secondary objective is to provide an assessmet method for quickly checking the value of batches of sawn timber

Hopkins, Dick, McConchie

1.29 MB 

.pdf

2009

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Project 2008-FBRC-13010 - Needle diseases of radiata pine in New Zealand

• This review is funded by the Forest Biosecurity Research Council and written for the New Zealand forest industry. It summarises results of research in New Zealand on needle diseases of plantation pines. Overseas work is described if it has application to New Zealand forestry. The aim is to provide a reference point from which to identify future research needs. These needs are listed and summarised, with the aim of assisting development of a research strategy for foliar pathogens of Pinus radiata. Deliberately, future research needs are not prioritised because it was thought that industry should advise researchers on what research activities should be undertaken, rather than the reverse.

Bulman, Ganley, Dick

1.21 MB

.pdf

2008 

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Project: 2008-03. Report - Herbarium specimens: opening the treasure trove

• An improved method was developed for extracting DNA from pine needles. The best method involved using some components from a commercial DNA extraction kit, along with enzymatic lysis and a simplified purification step. A significant (> 4–fold) increase in yield was obtained using the new method compared to using either of two popular commercial DNA extraction kits. All DNA extracted was tested for suitability for PCR amplification using pinespecific PCR primers.

 Bradshaw, Schwelm, Owen

175.13 kB

.pdf

2009 

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Project: 2008-02. Report - Assessing biodiversity in indigenous forests – methods for FSC & health

• The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) requires that biodiversity in exotic forests and indigenous forests grown for timber or as indigenous ecosystems, including pockets/remnants of indigenous forest, is assessed. The objective of this Forest Health Research Collaborative umbrella project is, therefore, to identify the requirement for and methods preferred by foresters for assessing biodiversity in indigenous ecosystems including pockets/remnants of indigenous forest.

Martin

95.39 kB

.pdf

2008

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Project: 2008-01. Report - Nectria fuckeliana field guide

• An updated guide with text and illustrations entitled “Field Guide to symptoms of Nectria fuckeliana cankers”. Published in a flip–top format.

Scion

3.40 MB

.pdf

2008

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Project: 2007-04. Report - DNA-based identification of needle pathogens

• Commercially available DNA extraction kits are generally as reliable as a “homemade” lab-based method for extracting DNA from needle lesions infected with Dothistroma. However in experiments to determine the minimum number of lesions required for extraction the success was variable with all methods, although sufficient DNA for PCR amplification could be obtained from as few as one or two lesions. A “whole-genome amplification” method is being trialed which may improve success rates with DNA extraction from single lesions. If successful, this method will be especially useful for herbarium samples.

Bradshaw, Schwelm

264.63 kB

.pdf

2007

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Project: 2007-03. Report - Management of Phytophthora in radiata pine seedlings

• Block 4 at Te Ngae nursery has recently suffered losses among Pinus radiata seedlings due to Phytophthora root rot. The purpose of this project was to investigate chemical and biological options under controlled environmental conditions for their ability to control root rot of P. radiata seedlings, caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi. This project complements FRST funded studies conducted at Te Ngae nursery where various integrated programmes are being evaluated for their ability to manage root rot under field conditions.

HortResearch 

 315.78 kB

.pdf

2007 

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Project: 2007-02. Report - Towards an understanding of the causes of physiological needle blight in Pinus radiata

• Monitoring of climatic conditions within a radiata pine plantation with a history of PNB highlighted both a large reduction in relative humidity (RH) and an increase in soil temperature over a two–week period towards the end of September and beginning of October 2007.  In laboratory–based experiments, reducing relative humidity from 90+ to 52% reduced needle water content, increased the water potential difference between the roots and needles and resulted in 40% death rate of needles after 10 days at the lower relative humidity. Reducing the RH from initial 65% or 58% to 52% did not adversely affect the plants. Soil temperature had no effect on needle water potential or needle water content.

Gould, Bulman, Dick

590.38 kB

.pdf

2007

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Project: 2007-01. Report - Various Forest Pest Updates

Dick et al

.pdf

Project: 2005-04. Report - Biological control of Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius) in New Zealand

• Release of Broom agents in the South Island

Gourlay

68.76 kB

.pdf

2008

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Project: 2005-03. Report - Detection of Nectria fuckeliana in wood cores from pruned and un–pruned Pinus radiata. Second year results

• The objective of this study was to resample pruned and unpruned Pinus radiata trees that were first sampled in 2006 and to use a DNA based method, as well as culturing, to detect the presence of Nectria fuckeliana. We wanted to confirm our results from 2006 which indicated that there was no significant difference between pruned and un–pruned trees and the presence of N. fuckeliana, determine if fungal incidence changed over time, and determine if there was a relationship between presence of the fungus and fluting.

Power & Ramsfield

392.20 kB

.pdf

Feb 2007

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Project: 2005-02. Report - Field Guide to symptoms of Nectria fuckeliana cankers

• Stem malformation, typically developing after pruning, has become a problem in some Pinus radiata plantations in part of the South Island of New Zealand over the last 10 years. Infection through the pruned branch stub may result in extensive stain and decay within the stem, although tree crowns remain green and healthy. Nectria fuckeliana, a Northern Hemisphere fungus which is commonly recorded there as a saprophyte or weak pathogen of species of Picea and Abies, is the most commonly isolated fungus from affected trees. Nectria fuckeliana had not been recorded in New Zealand prior to 1996, although it may have been present for some years prior to that date. Research into management of the disease is on–going, and for up to date advice and recommended strategies contact David Thode at PF Olsen.

Dick

2.17 MB

.pdf

2007

Project: 2005-01. Report - A quick guide to diagnosing major foliage diseases of radiata pine in New Zealand

• During the spring months of September, October and November all the major foliage diseases of Pinus radiata in New Zealand may be seen. Confident separation of these disorders is important so that correct management decisions can be made. Diagnosis at a glance -  this illustrated flier describes the differences between the diseases (Cyclaneusma needle cast, Dothistroma needle blight and Physiological Needle Blight) and also the similarities that can be the source of confusion.  The A4 double–sided leaflet, contains colour photographs showing symptoms on trees and needles. Available as a laminated sheet or trifold leaflet, it is designed for easy field reference. Price: $3.00 per laminated sheet or $1.50 per trifold leaflet

Dick, Bulman

1.70 MB

.pdf

2007

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Project: 2004-04. Report - Risk assessment of European pests of Pinus radiata

• Reports from southern Europe indicate that Pinus radiata planted there is highly susceptible to attack by several European pests of pines. In particular, repeated outbreaks of the pine processionary moth (Thaumetopoea pityocampa) have caused much damage in pine plantations in Spain and adjacent countries. Anecdotal reports suggest that P. radiata is more affected by insect pests than the native pines,
  although there is limited experimental evidence. We undertook a study that combined (1) a review of published and unpublished information on pests affecting P. radiata in Europe and (2) experimental work on insect pests of P. radiata in plantation forests in the Spanish Basque Country and in south–west France. The objectives were:
  • to summarise the key characteristics of European pests of Pinus radiata and the damage they can cause,
  • to compare the susceptibility of Pinus radiata and other exotic and native pines to these pests,
  • and to discuss the implications for forest biosecurity in New Zealand.

Ensis

788.09 MB

.pdf

2006

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Project: 2004-03. Report - Biological control agents for weeds in New Zealand: A Field Guide

• Alien weeds, including exotic grasses, shrubs, vines and trees, pose a serious and increasing threat to all of New Zealand’s ecosystems. Unless current control is improved more than 575 000 ha of high priority conservation land will soon be threatened by weeds. In the longer term, the ecosystem-altering effects of invasive plants will have serious impacts on New Zealand’s indigenous biodiversity and productive sectors, by altering hydrological regimes, disturbing the flow of energy and nutrients, and changing the structure and composition of native communities. The financial cost of weeds is also huge. For example, in 1982 the cost of pastoral weeds alone (in terms of production losses plus weed control expenditure) was estimated to be $393 million per annum, which equates to about $1.1 billion today. Biological control is increasingly being recognised as an important tool for managing New Zealand’s serious weed problems. Successful biological control for mist flower (Ageratina riparia), St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), and ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) means it is now uncommon for other control methods to be required. The need for control measures against alligator weed (Alternanthera philoxeroides), Mexican devil weed (Ageratina adenophora), and nodding thistle (Carduus nutans) has also been substantially reduced. This field guide explains how to find and recognise biocontrol agents that have been deliberately and successfully introduced to attack weeds in New Zealand. The most significant of the self-introduced and native species that commonly attack weeds in New Zealand are also covered. Species currently under development are not included but we hope to produce additional pages for them in the future.

Hayes

1.52MB

.pdf

2005

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Project: 2004-02. Report - Nectria regional survey 2004 – where did we go wrong and improvements for the future

• A disease incidence and severity survey for Nectria fuckeliana was carried out in Otago and Southland from January to April 2004. A field audit of selected plots showed that at the plot level there were significant errors and the original data were not suitable for detailed analysis. The FHRC commissioned an evaluation of survey methods in order to identify errors and recognise deficiencies so that these are not repeated in future surveys. This report recommends procedures to ensure best practice for forest disease surveys.

Bulman

173.15 kB

.pdf

2006

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Project: 2004-01. Report - Investigation of the relationship between Sphaeropsis sapinea and Nectria fuckeliana

• This study attempted to determine if initial infection of Pinus radiata by Sphaeropsis sapinea predisposes the tree to infection by Nectria fuckeliana

Power, Ramsfield

618.38 kB

.pdf

2004

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Project: 2003-02. Report - Assessment of needle–cast diseases using aerial photographs

• Periodic defoliation of radiata pine by the eco–physiological disorder known as Strasseria appears to have increased in frequency over the last 20 years. This disorder, as well as Cyclaneusma needle–cast, results in growth loss. A survey technique was trialed to assess the incidence and severity of Cyclaneusma needlecast from aerial photographs. It was based upon a visual interpretation of very large scale aerial imagery.

Project: 2003-01. Report - Forest Condition Monitoring Strategy

• The development of the Viewpoint method for monitoring forest health was an initiative of CHH Forests. A paper describing the method in more detail and its relationship to the PSP method is included at the end of this report

CHH

86.30 kB

.pdf

2003

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Author

Document Type/Size

Date

Armillaria Root Disease in New Zealand Forests - A Review

Ian A Hood, Robert A Hill,
Ian J Horner

.pdf / 4.81 MB

2006

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Stock-Type Susceptibility and Delineation of Treatment Areas for
A cryptic Pinus radiata Root Disease

I A Hood, M O Kimberley,
J F Gardner

.pdf / 398.10kB

2006

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Colonisation of Pinus radiata thinning stumps by Armillaria and
other basiodiomycetes following treatment with Armillaria basidiospores

I A Hood ,
J F Gardner

 .pdf / 224.02 kB

2006 

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I A Hood, I J Horner,
J F Gardner, C J Sandberg

.pdf / 123.73 kB

2002

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 Armillaria root disease of Pinus radiata in New Zealand,
2: Invasion and host reaction

B J Van der Kamp,
I A Hood

 .pdf / 153.64 kB

2002

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Armillaria root disease of Pinus radiata in New Zealand,
3: Influence of thinning and pruning

I A Hood, M O Kimberley,
J F Gardner, C J Sandberg

 .pdf / 153.30kB

2002

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 Armilaria root disease of Pinus radiata in New Zealand,
4: Assessment of stand infection

I A Hood,
M O KImberley

 .pdf / 98.42 kB

2002

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Armillaria root diseases of Pinus radiata in New Zealand,
5: Stand assessment using aerial photography

J G Firth,
R K Brownlie

.pdf /  166.75 kB

2002

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Armillaria root disease of Pinus radiata in New Zealand,
6: Growth loss

M O Kimberley, I A Hood,
J F Gardner

.pdf /  109.32kB

 2002

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Author

Document Type/Size

Date

Wood Borer and Bark Bettle Risk Analysis

E Brockerhoff

.pdf / 579.27 kb

May 2009

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An experimental test of a visual-based push-pull strategy for
control of wood boring phytosanitary pests

S Pawson, M Watt

.pdf / 480.53 kB

May 2008

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Light trapping as a potential tool for Arhopalus ferus
(Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) control at wood processing facilities

S Pawson, M Watt, E Brockerhoff

.pdf /486.87 kB

Jul 2007

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.pdf / 1.05 MB

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R Ganley

.pdf /29.51 kB

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Author

Document Type/Size

Date

Enhancing Pinus radiata health and vigour using beneficial microbes
and natural products

Dr RA Hill, Dr P Hohmann, A Clouston,
M Braithwaite,T Nelson, Dr S Reay,
Prof. T Glare, Prof. A Stewar

.pdf / 1.28 MB

July 2011

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Enhancing Pinus radiata health and vigour using beneficial microbes
and natural products

Dr R Hill, Dr M Brownbridge,  Dr S Reay,
T Nelson, B Gicquel, D Wright,
J Swaminathan, Prof. A Stewart

.pdf / 1.76 MB

Aug 2009

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The survival of ectomycorrhizal fungi (ECM) of Pinus radiata and
Pseudotsuga menziesii from the nursery to outplanting - interim report

K Walbert

.pdf / 384.66 kB

Jun 2009

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Ectomycorrhizal communities associated with a Pinus radiata
plantation in the North Island, NZ : PhD Results seminar

K Walbert

.pdf /1.06 MB

Sept 2008

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The fate of nursery ectomycorrhizae after out planing
in clearcut sites

K Walbert, T D Ramsfield,
M A Dick, E E Jones, H J Ridgeway

.pdf /185.74 kB

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Ectomycorrhizal communities associated with a Pinus radiata
plantation in the North Island, NZ

K Walbert

.pdf /699.03 kB

2008 

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R Ganley

.pdf /899.89kB

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Endophyte-mediated resistance against white pine blister rust in
Pinus monticola

R Ganley, R Sniezko,
G Newcombec

 .pdf / 225.41 kB

Jan 2008

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A Tale of Two Enemies : Will the introduction of a generalist predator
improve or disrupt biological control? (Poster)

S Mansfield, A Hopkins, J Bain
D Jones, D Satchell

 .pdf / 707.47 kB

 2006

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A Tale of Two Enemies : Will the introduction of a generalist predator
improve or disrupt biological control? (Paper)

S Mansfield, A Hopkins, J Bain
D Jones, D Satchell

 .pdf / 109.94kB

2006

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Behaviour of Cleobora mellyi after Field Release : Effects of Prey
Availability and Host Plant

S Mansfield, J Bain
D Jones, et al 

 .pdf / 84.85 kB

2005 

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Enhancing Pinus radiata health and vigour using
beneficial microbes and natural products

Dr E Jones, Dr R Hill
Dr M Brownbridge, Dr S Reay,
Dr T Glare, R Minchin,
Dr H Ridgway, Dr L Condron,
Prof. A Stewart

.pdf /  143.91kB

 2006

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Author

Document Type/Size

Date

I Hood

.pdf  /830.32 kB

June 2011

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Future proofing plantation forests from pests

.pdf / 555.38 kB

May 2010

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The formation of dry sapwood zones in conifers : a review

M Dick

.pdf /1.16 MB

May 2009

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Development of sapstain and degrade after storm damage
in stands of Pinus radiata

J McCarthy, R Didham, I Hood,
E Brockerhoff, S Pawson, J Gardner,
M Forward, R Mitchell

.pdf /408.63 kB

May 2009

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G Hosking

.pdf / 224.84 kB

Jun 2007

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G Hosking

.pdf / 166.03 kB

Jun 2007

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Stem Injection - Dose response trails and bioassays

S Gous

.pdf /731.85 kB

2005

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S Gous

.pdf /594.11 kB

2005

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G Scott, S Gous

.pdf /324.09 kB

2005

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B Warburton

.pdf /170.29 kB

2006

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L Bulman, A Dunningham,
N Sims, D Culvenor, R Brownlie

.pdf /1.95 MB

2006

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L Bulman

.pdf /215.24 kB

2005

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J Gardener, M Dick, L Bulman

.pdf /1.14 MB

2006

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Fungi on trees and shrubs in NZ.
Fungi of NZ Volume 4

P Gadgil

.pdf /108.26 kB

Aug 2005

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C Pask

.pdf /1.43 MB

Dec 2005

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J Thwaites, R Farrell,
S Duncan, S Reay

.pdf /497.27 kB

2005

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Author

Document Type/Size

Date

Modelling the efficacy of different sampling strategies for
estimating disease levels and detecting the spread of new pests

D. Kriticos, A. Leriche, 
L Bulman,  M Kimberley, S.Alcaraz,
B Richardson

.pdf / 1.56 MB

Mar 2008

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Validation of the Spraytrans Model for Prediction of Long-Range Pesticide
Spray Drift : Progress Report

B Richardson, H Thistle,
D Thompson, S Gous

.pdf / 261.11 kB

Jun 2007

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Improving predictions of pest mortality prior to pest eradication
operations: Part II : The influence of aphagostimulant on
the efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki

M Kay

.pdf /234.67 kB

May 2006

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M Kay

.pdf / 151.96 kB

May 2006

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Improving predictions of pest mortality prior to pest eradication operatiois:
The influence of host species and provenance on the efficacy of Bacillus
thuringiensis var. kurstaki

M Kay, K Steele,
P Taylor, D Jones

.pdf /307.45 kB

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