Vaccination of Elms against Dutch Elm Disease-Are the Associated Epiphytes and Endophytes Affected?

ABSTRACT: Dutch elm disease (DED) is causing extensive mortality of ecologically and culturally valuable elm trees (Ulmus spp.). Treatment of elms with the biological vaccine Dutch Trig^® has been found to provide effective protection against DED by stimulating the defensive mechanisms of the trees. We hypothesized that the same mechanisms could also affect non-target organisms associated with elms. We explored the possible effects of vaccination on epiphytes (mainly lichens) and fungal endophytes living in the bark and young xylem of treated elms. Epiphyte cover percentage was assessed visually using a grid placed on the trunks, and a culture-based approach was used to study endophytes. Epiphyte cover was lower on the trunks of vaccinated trees as compared with unvaccinated trees,

SUBMITTER: Witzell J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10057572 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature