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Pitch canker caused by Fusarium circinatum — a growing threat to pine plantations and forests worldwide

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Abstract

Pitch canker, caused by the fungus Fusarium circinatum, is one of the most important pathogens of Pinus species. Sporadic outbreaks and epidemics caused by this fungus have been reported from numerous countries. Symptoms differ depending on the host species, geographical region, climatic conditions and associated insects. Pitch canker represents a significant threat to countries where non-native and susceptible Pinus spp. are grown intensively in plantations.Athorough understanding of the ecology and epidemiology of the causal agent is an important prerequisite to managing this threat. The aim of this review is to summarise contemporary knowledge relating to the pitch canker pathogen, with a particular focus on its threat to plantation forestry.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, 0002, Hillcrest, South Africa

    M. J. Wingfield, A. Hammerbacher, E. T. Steenkamp & T. A. Coutinho

  2. Department of Genetics, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI), University of Pretoria, 0002, Hillcrest, South Africa

    B. D. Wingfield

  3. Scion, New Zealand Research Institute Ltd, Private Bag 3020, 3046, Rotorua, New Zealand

    R. J. Ganley

  4. Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, 95616, Davis, CA, USA

    T. R. Gordon

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  1. M. J. Wingfield
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  2. A. Hammerbacher
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  3. R. J. Ganley
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  4. E. T. Steenkamp
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  5. T. R. Gordon
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  6. B. D. Wingfield
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  7. T. A. Coutinho
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Correspondence to T. A. Coutinho.

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Wingfield, M.J., Hammerbacher, A., Ganley, R.J. et al. Pitch canker caused by Fusarium circinatum — a growing threat to pine plantations and forests worldwide. Australasian Plant Pathology 37, 319–334 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1071/AP08036

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/AP08036

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