Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: Target audiences for the Dothistroma research are tree health managers, extension professionals, and forest pathologists. Target audiences for the Stigmina lautii research are those that want to manage perceived problems associated with the fungus, including individuals, businesses, and agencies that own spruce trees, tree health professionals, natural resource professionals, and forest pathologists. Target audiences for the juneberry research are individuals and businesses that may be interested in growing juneberries in home or commercial orchards, nurseries that may be interested in growing juneberry seedlings, and outreach professionals that advise people regarding fruit tree selection. Target audiences for the National Elm Trial research include individuals, businesses, and agencies that want to plant trees on their property, urban forest professionals, and outreach professionals that advise people regarding tree selection. Target audiences for the X-disease and chokecherry improvement research are other researchers studying diseases caused by phytoplasmas, tree health professionals, and natural resource professionals. Target audiences for the maple dieback study include arborists and tree health professionals Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Activities for the current reporting period included 1) examination of pine stands to evaluate incidence and severity of the recently discovered outbreak of Dothistroma needle blight in North Dakota, 2) gathering of Dothistroma needle blight samples from the midwestern USA for a population genetics study to characterize pathogen variation within and among stands and hosts, 3) coordination of an effort to gather Dothistroma needle blight samples from various hosts in various settings throughout the USA to determine the host and geographic ranges of Dothistroma species, 4) field rating of needle symptoms and signs associated with Stigmina lautii on shoots in a 2007-2008 fungicide trial in which the 6 treatments included 4 applications of chlorothalonil over two years (early June and July each year), various combinations of any 1 or 2 of those application times, and no applications either year, 5) fungicide applications and field rating of needle symptoms and signs of Stigmina lautii on shoots in two 2010-2011 fungicide trials in which the 11 treatments included additive or subtractive applications of Bordeaux mixture over two years (adding or subtracting a treatment to those treatments sprayed twice a month over the two growing seasons), 6) repeated collection of 4 putatively superior juneberry (Amelanchier spp.) selections and collected 1 new possibly superior juneberry for establishment into tissue culture, continued proliferation of the 27 other putatively superior juneberry clones and 13 commercial varieties in tissue culture, and transplanting rooted plants to pots as they came out of tissue culture, all in a continuing effort to evaluate juneberry germplasm that has potential for commercial development, and 7) rating of elms at the two North Dakota sites of the National Elm Trial. Additional activities for which results will be taken in subsequent years included 1) continuing tissue culture proliferation and greenhouse propagation of putatively X-disease resistant chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) selections in an ongoing effort to confirm and characterize X-disease resistant chokecherry germplasm and develop germplasm lines suitable for commercial release, 2) planting into field plots of two chokecherry populations that are putatively segregated for X-disease resistance, 3) budding of X-disease resistant chokecherry lines for field evaluation of horticultural traits, and 4) ratings of trees in a study to determine if a systemic insecticide can alleviate sugar maple dieback of unknown etiology. Presented a special topic summary of research results and management recommendations for Stigmina lautii needle disease of spruce to 2011 Great Plains Tree Pest Council participants. Presented a special topic summary of Dothistroma needle blight of pines – current situation and approach to a national evaluation – to 2011 Great Plains Tree Pest Council participants. Served as a regional resource of tree health information for individuals and federal, state, and local agencies, and as national and international resource in areas of specialization. Disseminated activity reports and results of outcomes in written and oral reports at regional and national meetings, and presented summary information regarding tree health problems in an online pest report journal. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? As described above the results were disseminated to stake holders by attending and presenting at relevant meetings and through the publication of results. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Dothistroma needle blight was found at 4 of 17 examined pine stands in 2011, including one additional site in Pembina County in northeastern ND, the county in which it was first found, and four plantings in Cass and Stutsman Counties in southeastern ND, counties in which it had not been previously found. This is a substantial expansion of the known range of Dothistroma needle blight in ND. Disease severity ranged from slight to severe, varying mostly with host species. 2) Symptoms, fruiting bodies, and spores typical of Dothistroma needle blight were present on needles of most of the 30 to 53 samples gathered from 5 sites in ND, SD, and NE to evaluate Dothistroma population variation.3) Through personal collections and through contacts made in committee, conference, and on-line formats, needles with Dothistroma-like symptoms were obtained in 2011 from 19 conifer species in 7 states, and arrangements were made to obtain additional samples in 2012 from the western USA for the study to evaluate Dothistroma geographic and host range. 4) Field ratings of 2007 and 2008 spruce needles in the Stigmina lautii 2007-08 fungicide trial indicated that reduced symptoms and signs were no longer present in 2011, concluding ratings for that trial. 5) For the S. lautii 2010-11 additive and subtractive fungicide trials, ratings of the additive trial in late August 2011 indicated a gradual increase in symptoms on needles the longer they were not protected in 2010. Ratings of the subtractive trial in late August 2011 indicated substantially more symptoms and fruiting bodies on needles that were not protected in June and July 2010. New observations during these ratings found S. lautii and Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii fruiting bodies on the same needles, and S. lautii symptoms and fruiting bodies present in late August on current-year needles during the same growing season as infection. 6) One new juneberry selection was added to the collection based on promising information from the owner. All 5 repeat or new juneberry collections were established into tissue culture. Rooting is underway for all but one slow-developing selection. 7) In 2011, the best rated elms were Commendation, Danada Charm, New Horizon, Triumph, and Vanguard at the Bismarck site of the National Elm Trial. Three cultivars (Commendation, New Horizon, and Pioneer) improved in condition by at least a full ranking level from 2010. At the Fargo site, the best rated elms were Danada Charm, Patriot, and Valley Forge. Two cultivars (Patriot and Valley Forge) improved in condition by at least a full ranking from 2010, while two cultivars (Homestead and Pioneer) worsened in condition by at least a full ranking from 2010.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Wang HX, Walla JA,Zhong SB, Huang DQ, Dai WH. 2012. Development and cross-species/genera transferability of microsatellite markers discovered using 454 genome sequencing in chokecherry (Prunnus virginiana L.). Plant Cell Reports 31: 2047-2055.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2011
Citation:
Wang HX, Walla JA, and Dai WH. 2011. Identification of molecular markers linked to X-diseae resistance in Chokecherry (Prunus Virginiana) Invitro cellular and molecular biology - Animal. 47: S70-S71.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2009
Citation:
Dai WH, Magnusson VA, and Wall JA. 2009. Transformation of poplar trees with the PAP-Y gene for disease resistance. Invitro cellular and molecular biology - Animal. 45: S77-S77.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2008
Citation:
Kinzer KM, and Walla JA. 2008. Stigmina lautii appears to have replaced Rhizosphaera kalkkhoffi on spruce in North Dakota.Phytopathology 98: S82-S82.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2008
Citation:
Walla JA, and Kinzer KM. 2008. Symptoms and signs of Stigmina lautii on spruce needles in North Dakota.Phytopathology 98: S164-S164.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2011
Citation:
Zeleznik, J, and Walla, J. 2011. Diseases of apple trees - black rot. North Dakota State University Crop & Pest Report 2011 (12):11-12.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2011
Citation:
Zeleznik, J., and Walla, J.A. 2011. Storm damaged trees. North Dakota State University Crop and Pest Report 2011 (2):11-12.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
LeBoldus JM, Zhang Q, and Kinzer KM. 2012. First report of dollar spot caused by Sclerotinia homoeocarpa on Agrostis stolonifera in North Dakota. Plant Disease 96: 1071.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2012
Citation:
Walla, J.A., and Barnes, I. 2012. Determining the geographic and host ranges of Dothistroma species in the USA. Page 129 in Proc. 59th Annual Western International Forest Disease Work Conference, Compiled by Zeglen, S., Oct. 10-14, 2011, Leavenworth, WA.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2008
Citation:
Walla, J.A. 2008. Is anyone growing hazelnuts in North Dakota Tree Talk (Edited Online News Magazine) 3 (1):17.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2009
Citation:
Walla, J., and Kinzer, K. 2009. Brown rot on stone fruits and other hosts in North Dakota. North Dakota Crop and Pest Report, Issue 5, June 11, 2009.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2009
Citation:
Geils, B.A., Klopfenstein, N.B., Kim, M.-S., Spaine, P., Richardson, B.A., Zambino, P.J., Shaw, C.G., Walla, J., Bulluck, R.,Redmond, L., Smith, K. 2009. Recovery plan for Scots pine blister rust caused by Cronartium flaccidum and Peridermium pini . National Plant Disease Recovery System, a cooperative project of the American Phytopathological Society and the United States Department of Agriculture.
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Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities for the current reporting period included 1) rating of disease symptoms and growth traits in 14 chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) clones inoculated in 2009 with a highly aggressive X-disease phytoplasma strain to evaluate for X-disease tolerance under controlled conditions in a greenhouse, 2) coordinating a two-year effort to assemble Dothistroma needle blight samples from various conifer hosts in various settings throughout the USA to determine the host and geographic ranges of Dothistroma species, 3) field rating of Colorado blue spruce (Picea pungens) needle symptoms and signs of Stigmina lautii in two 2010-2011 fungicide trials in which the 11 treatments included additive or subtractive biweekly applications of Bordeaux mixture over two years, 4) continuing tissue culture proliferation and greenhouse growth of 32 putatively superior juneberry (Amelanchier spp.) clones and 13 commercial juneberry varieties in order to evaluate novel juneberry germplasm that has potential for commercial development, 5) rating of elms at the two North Dakota sites of the National Elm Trial. Additional activities for which results will be taken in subsequent years included 1) continuing tissue culture proliferation and greenhouse propagation of additional putatively X-disease tolerant chokecherry selections in an ongoing effort to identify and characterize X-disease tolerant chokecherry germplasm and develop germplasm lines suitable for commercial release, 2) inoculating susceptible and putatively tolerant chokecherry clones with X-disease to evaluate if tolerance is achieved by limiting phytoplasma titer, 3) inoculating 23 chokecherry clones with a highly aggressive X-disease phytoplasma strain to evaluate for X-disease tolerance, and 4) rating of trees in a study to determine if a systemic insecticide can alleviate maple dieback of unknown etiology. Served as regional source of tree health information for individuals and federal, state, and local agencies. Disseminated activity reports and results of outcomes in written and oral reports at local, regional, and national meetings. PARTICIPANTS: Research on Dothistroma pini was done by James A. Walla, forest pathologist in the NDSU Plant Pathology Dept, and Irene Barnes, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa. Collaborators from Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA, Michigan State University in Cadillac, MI, and the University of Tennessee in Nashville, TN, collected and submitted samples for the Dothistroma geographic and host range study. Research on Stigmina lautii was done by James A. Walla, forest pathologist in the NDSU Plant Pathology Dept. Research on juneberry improvement was done by James A. Walla and Harlene Hatterman-Valenti, high-value crops researcher in the NDSU Plant Sciences Dept. Research for the National Elm Trial sites in North Dakota was done by James A. Walla in cooperation with national coordinator William Jacobi, Colorado State University, and with the Fargo Parks Dept. and Northern Plains Botanical Society for the Fargo NET site and with the Bismarck Forestry Dept. for the Bismarck site. Research on chokecherry X-disease was done by James A. Walla, David Dai, woody plant physiology/biotechnology researcher in the NDSU Plant Sciences Dept., and Hongxia Wang, post-doctoral researcher in the NDSU Plant Sciences Dept. Research on maple dieback was done by James A. Walla and Martin Shervey, Assistant Landscape/ Arboretum Coordinator, NDSU. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences for the Dothistroma research are tree health managers, extension professionals, and forest pathologists. Target audiences for the Stigmina lautii research are those that want to manage perceived problems associated with the fungus, including individuals, businesses, and agencies that own spruce trees, tree health professionals, natural resource professionals, and forest pathologists. Target audiences for the juneberry research are individuals and businesses that may be interested in growing juneberries in home or commercial orchards, nurseries that may be interested in growing juneberry seedlings, woody plant and fruit improvement professionals, and outreach professionals that advise people regarding fruit tree selection. Target audiences for the National Elm Trial research include individuals, businesses, and agencies that want to plant trees on their property, urban forest professionals, forest pathologists and forest entomologists, and outreach professionals that advise people regarding tree selection. Target audiences for the X-disease and chokecherry improvement research are other researchers studying diseases caused by phytoplasmas, tree health professionals, and natural resource professionals. Target audiences for the maple dieback study include arborists and tree health professionals. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
1) Of 12 putatively X-disease tolerant chokecherry selections and 2 susceptible controls, two that had no symptoms in field plots and one that developed limited symptoms but had high vigor in field plots maintained those ratings in the greenhouse trial and are under further evaluation. 2) Most samples assembled in 2011 to determine host and geographic ranges and to examine population genetics of Dothistroma needle blight fungi were examined initially by collaborator I. Barnes and confirmed to contain Dothistroma spp. Additional samples from 4 states were collected or received. 3) For the S. lautii 2010-11 subtractive and additive fungicide trials, ratings of symptoms and signs in June and September 2012 found a gradual increase in infection on needles the longer they were not protected in 2010 and 2011, indicating that infections occur essentially throughout the growing season. Field observations and ratings in 2011 and 2012 of trees in the 2010-11 fungicide trials gave the first indications of variation in this disease among trees, apparently due to tree-to-tree variation in disease resistance. The variance appeared to be limitation of infection or disease development in first-year needles. Two Stigmina needlecast management options were developed. The Tree Health Maintenance Option allows for some infection, but maintains reduced disease so trees remain aesthetically acceptable. This option, which requires needle protection for two months after bud break and must be repeated every year, would be useful for Christmas tree growers and landscape trees where the visual effect is of greatest concern. The Intensive Tree Care Option hypothetically prevents infections until inoculum is no longer available. This option requires needle protection for the entire infection period (about 5 months in ND, from mid-May through mid-October) until the youngest infected needles are cast, likely 4 or 5 years. This option would be necessary for nursery stock where certification for sales or shipping requires the plants to be disease-free. 4) Juneberries of most putatively superior clones and commercial varieties that had been produced in tissue culture and grown in greenhouses were out-planted in two field plots, one each in eastern and western ND. Leadership of this project was transferred to Dr. Hatterman-Valenti. 5) The best rated elms at the Bismarck site were Danada Charm, New Horizon, and Triumph on a per-planted-tree basis, with the addition of Accolade, Patriot, and Vanguard when only surviving trees were considered. Adult elm bark beetle activity (apparently Scolytus schevyrewi) was observed on 67% of the live tree trunks, possibly reflecting stress from severe drought. The best rated elms at the Fargo site were Danada Charm, New Harmony, Patriot, and Princeton, with the addition of Prospector and Valley Forge when only surviving trees were considered. For both sites, Danada Charm continues to be the cultivar that is consistently among the best. For the first time, the best trees at the Bismarck site were in worse condition than the best trees at the Fargo site, by an estimated 2 of 6 ranking levels.
Publications
- LeBoldus, J.M. Zhang, Q. and Kinzer, K. 2012. First report of dollar spot caused by Sclerotinia homoeocarpa on Agrostis stolonifera in North Dakota. Plant Disease 96: 1071.
- Walla, J.A., and Barnes, I. 2012. Determining the geographic and host ranges of Dothistroma species in the USA. Page 129 in Proc. 59th Annual Western International Forest Disease Work Conference, Compiled by Zeglen, S., Oct. 10-14, 2011, Leavenworth, WA.
- Wang, H., Walla, J.A., Zhong, S., Huang, D., and Dai, W. 2012. Development and cross-species/genera transferability of microsatellite markers discoverred using 454 genome sequencing in chokecherry (Prunus virginiana L.). Plant Cell Rep. 31:2047-2055. [DOI: 10.1007/s00299-012-1315-z]
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Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities for the current reporting period included 1) examination of pine stands to evaluate incidence and severity of a recently discovered outbreak of Dothistroma needle blight in North Dakota, 2) gathering Dothistroma needle blight samples from midwestern USA for a population genetics study to characterize pathogen variation within and among stands and hosts, 3) coordination of an effort to gather Dothistroma needle blight samples from various hosts in various settings throughout the USA to determine the host and geographic ranges of Dothistroma species, 4) field rating of needle symptoms and signs associated with Stigmina lautii on shoots in a 2007-08 fungicide trial in which the 6 treatments included 4 applications of chlorothalonil over two years (early June and July each year), various combinations of 1 or 2 of those application times, and no application either year, 5) fungicide applications and field rating of needle symptoms and signs of Stigmina lautii on shoots in two 2010-2011 fungicide trials in which the 11 treatments included additive or subtractive applications of Bordeaux mixture over two years, 6) repeated collection of 4 putatively superior juneberry (Amelanchier spp.) selections and collected 1 new possibly superior juneberry for establishment into tissue culture, continued proliferation of the 27 other putatively superior juneberry clones and 13 commercial varieties in tissue culture, and transplanting rooted plants to pots as they came out of tissue culture, all in a continuing effort to evaluate juneberry germplasm that has potential for commercial development, and 7) rating of elms at the two North Dakota sites of the National Elm Trial. Additional activities for which results will be taken in subsequent years included 1) continuing tissue culture proliferation and greenhouse propagation of putatively X-disease resistant chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) selections in an ongoing effort to confirm and characterize X-disease resistant chokecherry germplasm and develop germplasm lines suitable for commercial release, 2) planting into field plots of two chokecherry populations that are putatively segregated for X-disease resistance, 3) budding of X-disease resistant chokecherry lines for field evaluation of horticultural traits, and 4) ratings of trees in a study to determine if a systemic insecticide can alleviate sugar maple dieback of unknown etiology. Presented a special topic summary of research results and management recommendations for Stigmina lautii needle disease of spruce to 2011 Great Plains Tree Pest Council participants. Presented a special topic summary of Dothistroma needle blight of pines - current situation and approach to a national evaluation - to 2011 Great Plains Tree Pest Council participants. Served as a regional resource of tree health information for individuals and federal, state, and local agencies, and as national and international resource in areas of specialization. Disseminated activity reports and results of outcomes in written and oral reports at regional and national meetings, and presented summary information regarding tree health problems in an online pest report journal. PARTICIPANTS: Research on Dothistroma pini was done by James A. Walla, forest pathologist in the NDSU Plant Pathology Dept, Aaron Bergdahl, Forest Health Specialist, North Dakota Forest Service, and Irene Barnes, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa. Collaborators from the Nebraska Forest Service and South Dakota State University identified sites for the Dothistroma population variation collections. Collaborators from the US Forest Service lab in Rapid City, SD, Michigan State University in Cadillac, MI, Ohio State University in Wooster, OH, Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, and Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA collected and submitted samples for the Dothistroma geographic and host range study. Research on Stigmina lautii was done by James A. Walla, forest pathologist in the NDSU Plant Pathology Dept. Research on juneberry improvement was done by James A. Walla and Harlene Hatterman-Valenti, high-value crops researcher in the NDSU Plant Sciences Dept. Research for the National Elm Trial sites in North Dakota was done by James A. Walla in cooperation with national coordinator William Jacobi, Colorado State University, and with the Fargo Parks Dept. and Northern Plains Botanical Society for the Fargo NET site and with the Bismarck Forestry Dept. for the Bismarck site. Research on chokecherry X-disease was done by James A. Walla, David Dai, woody plant physiology/biotechnology researcher in the NDSU Plant Sciences Dept., and Hongxia Wang, PhD student in the NDSU Plant Sciences Dept. Research on maple dieback was done by James A. Walla and Martin Shervey, Assistant Landscape/Arboretum Coordinator, NDSU. Plant pathologists and entomologists from extension, regulatory, and research organizations throughout the Great Plains received training in the Stigmina lautii needle disease and the Dothistroma needle blight special topic presentations. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences for the Dothistroma research are tree health managers, extension professionals, and forest pathologists. Target audiences for the Stigmina lautii research are those that want to manage perceived problems associated with the fungus, including individuals, businesses, and agencies that own spruce trees, tree health professionals, natural resource professionals, and forest pathologists. Target audiences for the juneberry research are individuals and businesses that may be interested in growing juneberries in home or commercial orchards, nurseries that may be interested in growing juneberry seedlings, and outreach professionals that advise people regarding fruit tree selection. Target audiences for the National Elm Trial research include individuals, businesses, and agencies that want to plant trees on their property, urban forest professionals, and outreach professionals that advise people regarding tree selection. Target audiences for the X-disease and chokecherry improvement research are other researchers studying diseases caused by phytoplasmas, tree health professionals, and natural resource professionals. Target audiences for the maple dieback study include arborists and tree health professionals. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
1) Dothistroma needle blight was found at 4 of 17 examined pine stands in 2011, including one additional site in Pembina County in northeastern ND, the county in which it was first found, and four plantings in Cass and Stutsman Counties in southeastern ND, counties in which it had not been previously found. This is a substantial expansion of the known range of Dothistroma needle blight in ND. Disease severity ranged from slight to severe, varying mostly with host species. 2) Symptoms, fruiting bodies, and spores typical of Dothistroma needle blight were present on needles of most of the 30 to 53 samples gathered from 5 sites in ND, SD, and NE to evaluate Dothistroma population variation.3) Through personal collections and through contacts made in committee, conference, and on-line venues, needles with Dothistroma-like symptoms were obtained in 2011 from 19 conifer species in 7 states, and arrangements were made to obtain additional samples in 2012 from the western USA for the study to evaluate Dothistroma geographic and host range. 4) Field ratings of 2007 and 2008 spruce needles in the Stigmina lautii 2007-08 fungicide trial indicated that reduced symptoms and signs were no longer present in 2011, concluding ratings for that trial. 5) For the S. lautii 2010-11 additive and subtractive fungicide trials, ratings of the additive trial in late August 2011 indicated a gradual increase in symptoms on needles the longer they were not protected in 2010. Ratings of the subtractive trial in late August 2011 indicated substantially more symptoms and fruiting bodies on needles that were not protected in June and July 2010. New observations during these ratings found S. lautii and Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii fruiting bodies on the same needles, and S. lautii symptoms and fruiting bodies present in late August on current-year needles during the same growing season as infection. 6) One new juneberry selection was added to the collection based on promising information from the owner. All 5 repeat or new juneberry collections were established into tissue culture. Rooting is underway for all but one slow-developing selection. 7) In 2011, the best rated elms were Commendation, Danada Charm, New Horizon, Triumph, and Vanguard at the Bismarck site of the National Elm Trial. Three cultivars (Commendation, New Horizon, and Pioneer) improved in condition by at least a full ranking level from 2010. At the Fargo site, the best rated elms were Danada Charm, Patriot, and Valley Forge. Two cultivars (Patriot and Valley Forge) improved in condition by at least a full ranking from 2010, while two cultivars (Homestead and Pioneer) worsened in condition by at least a full ranking from 2010.
Publications
- Zeleznik, J, and Walla, J. 2011. Diseases of apple trees - black rot. North Dakota State University Crop & Pest Report 2011 (12):11-12. Online at: http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/cpr/forestry/diseases-of-apple-trees-black-rot
- Zeleznik, J., and Walla, J.A. 2011. Storm damaged trees. North Dakota State University Crop and Pest Report 2011 (2):11-12. Online at: .
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities for the current reporting period included 1) collection of diseased needles from Pinus ponderosa trees at two sites in northeastern ND and from P. ponderosa and P. nigra at two sites in eastern NE, 2) collection of 2 additional putatively X-disease tolerant chokecherry (Prunus virginianae) selections for establishment into tissue culture, 3) rating of 14 chokecherry clones inoculated in 2009 for disease symptoms and growth traits, 4) rating of chokecherry seedlings inoculated in 2009 with various isolates of X-disease phytoplasmas, 5) rating of needle symptoms and signs on shoots in a 2007-2008 fungicide trial in which the 6 treatments included 4 applications of chlorothalonil over two years (early June and July each year), various combinations of any 1 or 2 of those application times, and no applications either year, 6) initiation of two-year additive and subtractive fungicide trials to determine time and amount of infection during each two-week period of 2010 and 2011, and took a baseline rating of needles on the treated shoots, 7) repeated collection of 11 putatively superior juneberry (Amelanchier spp.) selections for establishment into tissue culture, and proliferation of 21 other putatively superior juneberry clones in tissue culture in a continuing effort to evaluate juneberry germplasm that has potential for commercial development, 8) measurement and rating of elms at the two North Dakota sites of the National Elm Trial, and 9) evaluation of declining ash stands in and near Theodore Roosevelt National Park to assess causes of dieback, with particular attention to possible presence of emerald ash borer. Additional activities for which results will be taken in subsequent years included 1) ratings of trees in a study to determine if a systemic insecticide can alleviate dieback in sugar maple of unknown etiology, 2) inoculation of X-disease segregating chokecherry family populations, 3) disease severity ratings of X-disease segregating chokecherry family populations, and 4) distribution of Anisogramma anomala (eastern filbert blight) on Corylus spp. in ND. Presented a conifer needle disease identification workshop at the 2010 Great Plains Tree Pest Council meeting, including provision of fresh plant materials, opportunity for hands-on preparation and observation of microscope slide materials, and one-page color summary sheets for each disease. Arranged a visit and series of seminars by a USDA APHIS PPQ scientist to the NDSU Plant Pathology, Plant Sciences, and Natural Resource Sciences programs. Served as a regional resource of tree health information for individuals and federal, state, and local agencies, and as national and international resource in areas of specialization. Disseminated results of outcomes in refereed and non-refereed articles, and in written and oral reports at regional and national committee meetings. PARTICIPANTS: Research on Dothistroma pini was done by James A. Walla, forest pathologist in the NDSU Plant Pathology Dept, Aaron Bergdahl, Forest Health Specialist, North Dakota Forest Service, and Irene Barnes, Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa. Research on chokecherry X-disease was done by James A. Walla, David Dai, woody plant physiology/biotechnology researcher in the NDSU Plant Sciences Dept., and Hongxia Wang, PhD student in the NDSU Plant Sciences Dept. Research on Stigmina lautii was done by James A. Walla, forest pathologist in the NDSU Plant Pathology Dept. Research on juneberry improvement was done by James A. Walla and Harlene Hatterman-Valenti, high-value crops research in the NDSU Plant Sciences Dept. Research for the National Elm Trial sites in North Dakota was done by James A. Walla in cooperation with national coordinator William Jacobi, Colorado State University, and with the Fargo Parks Dept. and Northern Plains Botanical Society for the Fargo NET site and with the Bismarck Forestry Dept. for the Bismarck site. Research on ash decline in and near Theodore Roosevelt National Park was done by James A. Walla and Joseph Zeleznik, Extension Forester in the NDSU Soil Sciences Dept. Research for the bacterial leaf scorch survey in North Dakota was done by James A. Walla in cooperation with Gerard Adams, Michigan State University. Research on maple dieback was done by James A. Walla and Martin Shervey, Assistant Landscape/Arboretum Coordinator, NDSU. Research on Eastern filbert blight was done by James A. Walla in cooperation with Kelsey Johnson, NDSU undergraduate student. Plant pathologists and entomologists from extension, regulatory, and research organizations throughout the Great Plains received training in the conifer needle disease workshop. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences for the Dothistroma research are tree health managers, extension professionals, and forest pathologists. Target audiences for the X-disease and chokecherry improvement research are other researchers studying diseases caused by phytoplasmas, tree health professionals, and natural resource professionals. Target audiences for the Stigmina lautii research are those that want to manage perceived problems associated with the fungus, including individuals, businesses, and agencies that own spruce trees, tree health professionals, natural resource professionals, and forest pathologists. Target audiences for the juneberry research are individuals and businesses that may be interested in growing juneberries in home or commercial orchards, nurseries that may be interested in growing juneberry seedlings, and outreach professionals that advise people regarding fruit tree selection. Target audiences for the National Elm Trial research include individuals, businesses, and agencies that want to plant trees on their property, urban forest professionals, and outreach professionals that advise people regarding tree selection. Target audiences for the ash decline study are National Park managers, forest health professionals, and natural resource professionals. Target audiences for the bacterial leaf scorch research include other researchers studying diseases caused by Xylella, and tree health professionals. Target audiences for the maple dieback study include arborists and tree health professionals. Target audiences for the conifer needle disease workshop included plant pathologists and entomologists involved in tree health diagnosis and management in the Great Plains. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
1) Dothistroma pini, identified by molecular analysis, was found on Pinus ponderosa needles in Pembina County, ND and Cass County, NE. This is the first time that any Dothistroma species has been discovered in ND and the first time D. pini has been confirmed on P. ponderosa using currently accepted methods. Using the previous standard of spore length to identify the pathogen species on P. ponderosa would have led to incorrect identification as D. septosporum. The pathogen on P. nigra in Lancaster County, NE was also D. pini, and spore length for that sample was consistent with D. pini. Many years of observations throughout ND and repeated observations since stand establishment in one of the infested ND plantings indicates that Dothistroma may have recently developed in ND. 2) 1 of 2 putatively X-disease tolerant chokecherry collections was established into tissue culture. 3) Of 12 inoculated chokecherry clones that were putatively tolerant to X-disease, only 3 clones had no plants with greater than slight disease severity. Initial conclusions include that most of the putatively X-disease tolerant clones are not tolerant, small plants have reduced ability to tolerate infection, or the inoculum was too aggressive for evaluation of useful disease tolerance. 4) Of 10 X-disease phytoplasmal isolates inoculated into chokecherry seedlings in 2009, 2 isolates from one location resulted in very severe disease, while 8 resulted in slight or no disease symptoms. 5) Field ratings of 2007 spruce needles in a 2007-08 fungicide trial indicated that chlorothalonil applied in early June and July for 2 years resulted in substantial reduction of needles with putative Stigmina lautii symptoms (40%) and needle surface area with fruiting bodies (40%), compared with 80%+ symptoms for most other treatments and 70%+ needle surface area with fruiting bodies for all other treatments. Fruiting bodies with spores were produced on most needles in the best treatments. A Stigmina needlecast disease cycle model was developed. 6) In a 2010-11 fungicide trial, less than 1% of 2010 needles had symptoms, and treatment effects were not found. 7) 9 of 11 repeat juneberry collections were established into tissue culture, 2 other clones were lost from culture, and proliferation in culture provided shoots for rooting. 8) In 2010, the best rated elms were Accolade, Danada Charm, Prairie Expedition, Triumph and Vanguard at the Bismarck site, and Commendation, Danada Charm, Patriot and Princeton at the Fargo site. Danada Charm elm is the only cultivar that has been in the best group at both sites for the last three years. 9) Herbicide exposure and drought were the likely primary stressors associated with recent dieback in declining ash stands in and near Theodore Roosevelt National Park, but most dieback occurred sporadically over many years, so was not likely caused by a single event or agent. Ash yellows and Pereniporia fraxinophila were the primary pathogens present on declining ash in the observed sites. Emerald ash borer was not found in the declining ash. 10) Samples collected throughout ND in 2009 for bacterial leaf scorch assays were negative for Xylella fastidiosa.
Publications
- Geils, B.A., Klopfenstein, N.B., Kim, M.-S., Spaine, P., Richardson, B.A., Zambino, P.J., Shaw, C.G., Walla, J., Bulluck, R., Redmond, L., Smith, K. 2009. Recovery plan for Scots pine blister rust caused by Cronartium flaccidum and Peridermium pini . National Plant Disease Recovery System, a cooperative project of the American Phytopathological Society and the United States Department of Agriculture. Online at .
- Wang, H., Walla, J.A., and Dai, W.-H. 2009. Identification of molecular markers linked to X-disease resistance in chokecherry (Prunus virginiana L.): inoculation, verification, and early screening. (Abstr.) Plant and Animal Genome. Online at .
- Walla, J., and Kinzer, K. 2009. Brown rot on stone fruits and other hosts in North Dakota. North Dakota Crop and Pest Report, Issue 5, June 11, 2009. Online at .
- Dai, W., Magnusson, V.A., and Walla, J.A. 2009. Transformation of poplar trees with the PAP-Y gene for disease resistance. (Abstr.) In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology-Plant. 45:S77.
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities for the current reporting period included 1) evaluation of fungicide trials to determine methods to manage the putative spruce needle pathogen, Stigmina lautii, and characterize symptom and fruiting body development, 2) observation of spruce for S. lautii on spruce in seven communities in western ND, 3) observation of about 3000 juneberry (Amelanchier spp.) plants at 35 sites in western ND in a continued search for superior juneberry germplasm that has potential for commercial development, and establishment in tissue culture of those plants, 4) disease severity ratings in hybrid chokecherry families that are putatively segregated for X-disease tolerance, 5) continued establishment and early assessment of two North Dakota sites in the National Elm Trial, 6) collection of leaf and twig samples from trees with leaf scorch symptoms as part of a regional study of bacterial leaf scorch, and 7) identification of Eastern filbert blight (Anisogramma anomala) on hazelnut hybrids and native American hazelnuts in North Dakota. Additional activities for which results will be taken in subsequent years included 1) inoculations to evaluate pathogenicity of S. lautii, 2) inoculation of 14 chokecherry clones to assess their relative tolerance to X-disease, 3) inoculation of additional hybrid chokecherry families that are putatively segregated for X-disease tolerance, 4) selection and grafting of putatively X-disease resistant seedlings and wild plants with superior fruit traits to identify germplasm that has potential for commercial development, 5) collection of X-disease phytoplasma isolates from symptomatic chokecherries in North Dakota, and inoculation of chokecherry seedlings with those isolates to evaluate variation in isolate aggressiveness, and 6) starting a study to determine whether a systemic insecticide can alleviate dieback in sugar maple of unknown etiology. Served as a regional resource of tree health information for individuals and federal, state, and local agencies, and as national resource in areas of specialization. Disseminated results of outcomes in refereed and non-refereed articles, in written and oral reports at regional and national committee meetings and at field days, in newsletters, and in newspaper articles. PARTICIPANTS: Research on Stigmina lautii was done by James A. Walla, forest pathologist in the NDSU Plant Pathology Dept. Research on juneberry improvement was done by James A. Walla, Harlene Hatterman-Valenti, high-value crops research in the NDSU Plant Sciences Dept., and Joseph Zeleznik, Extension Forester in the NDSU Soil Sciences Dept. Research on chokecherry X-disease was done by James A. Walla, David Dai, woody plant physiology/biotechnology research in the NDSU Plant Sciences Dept., and Hongxia Wang, PhD student in the NDSU Plant Sciences Dept. Research for the National Elm Trial sites in North Dakota was done by James A. Walla in cooperation with national coordinator William Jacobi, Colorado State University, and with the Fargo Parks Dept. and Northern Plains Botanical Society for the Fargo NET site and with the Bismarck Forestry Dept. for the Bismarck site. Research for the bacterial leaf scorch survey in North Dakota was done by James A. Walla in cooperation with Gerard Adams, Michigan State University. Research on Eastern filbert blight was done by James A. Walla in cooperation with Kelsey Johnson, NDSU undergraduate student. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences for the Stigmina lautii research are those that want to manage perceived problems associated with the fungus, including individuals, businesses, and agencies that own spruce trees, tree health professionals, natural resource professionals, and forest pathologists. Target audiences for the juneberry research are individuals and businesses that may be interested in growing juneberries in home or commercial orchards, nurseries that may be interested in growing juneberry seedlings, and outreach professionals that advise people regarding fruit tree selection. Target audiences for the X-disease and chokecherry improvement research are other researchers studying diseases caused by phytoplasmas, tree health professionals, and natural resource professionals. Target audiences for the National Elm Trial research include individuals, businesses, and agencies that want to plant trees on their property, urban forest professionals, and outreach professionals that advise people regarding tree selection. Target audiences for the bacterial leaf scorch research include other researchers studying diseases caused by Xylella, and tree health professionals. Target audiences for the Eastern filbert blight research include tree health professionals, natural resource professionals, and outreach professionals that advise people regarding tree problems. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Field ratings of 2007 spruce needles in a 2007-08 fungicide trial indicated that chlorothalonil applied in early June and July for 2 years resulted in substantial reduction of putative Stigmina lautii symptom and fruiting body development by Sept. 2009 compared to non-sprayed needles. On non-sprayed needles, the first putative symptoms of S. lautii (yellow bands) were visible at 12th month of needle age, there is a substantial increase in number of needles with symptoms and fruiting bodies from the 15th to the 16th month, many yellow bands expand to cover the needles by the 26th month, and many needles are cast by the 27th month. The results indicate that chlorothalonil can be useful in managing the putative disease and indicate the disease cycle of S. lautii. / Needlecast caused by either S. lautii or other pathogens was not found on spruce trees in western ND, and no needlecast fruiting bodies were found on green or senescing spruce needles in that region. Needlecast fungi have not yet been found on spruce in western ND. / 15 additional superior juneberry plants were found. This research has identified 32 juneberry plants statewide to evaluate for potential release as commercial cultivars. Dormant buds were used to establish viable tissue cultures of 26 of the 32 juneberry plants, and the remaining six are present but not yet established in tissue culture. Branches collected in February resulted in much better tissue culture establishment than those collected in December. / Graft inoculations in 2007 of chokecherry seedlings resulted in X-disease development in 2008. Of 41 plants from a cross between a resistant and a susceptible plant, 21 (51%) developed no symptoms, 7 (17%) developed symptoms but remained vigorous, and 13 (32%) developed severe disease, indicating that the inoculation method is effective and that X-disease resistance is a heritable trait. / New and replacement elms were planted at the Bismarck site (central ND) and the Fargo site (eastern ND) of the 2005 National Elm Trial. The best rated elms in both 2008 and 2009 were New Horizon and Danada Charm at the Bismarck site and Danada Charm, Pioneer and Patriot at the Fargo site. / Collected samples from 121 trees, shrubs and vines of 35 species in 24 communities in ND in 2008 and 2009 and submitted them to Michigan State University for testing. Samples in 2008 were negative for bacterial leaf scorch, which has not been identified in ND. / Eastern filbert blight, caused by the fungus Anisogramma anomala, was identified in a planting of hybrid and native hazelnuts (Corylus sp) and in a natural stand of C. americana, both in southeastern ND. This is the first discovery of A. anomala in ND.
Publications
- Walla, J.A., and Kinzer, K.M. 2008. Symptoms and signs of Stigmina lautii on spruce needles in North Dakota. (Abstr.) Phytopathology 98:S164.
- Kinzer, K.M., and Walla, J.A. 2008. Stigmina lautii appears to have replaced Rhizosphaera kalkhoffii on spruce in North Dakota. (Abstr.) Phytopathology 98:S82.
- Walla, J.A. 2008. Is anyone growing hazelnuts in North Dakota Tree Talk (Edited Online News Magazine) 3 (1):17. Online http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/trees/whatnew/Tree_Talk_June2008-2.pdf
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