Interaction of drought- and pathogen-induced mortality in Norway spruce and Scots pine.

ABSTRACT: Pathogenic diseases frequently occur in drought-stressed trees. However, their contribution to the process of drought-induced mortality is poorly understood. We combined drought and stem inoculation treatments to study the physiological processes leading to drought-induced mortality in Norway spruce (Picea abies) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) saplings infected with Heterobasidion annosum s.s. We analysed the saplings' water status, gas exchange, nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) and defence responses, and how they related to mortality. Saplings were followed for two growing seasons, including an artificially induced 3-month dormancy period. The combined drought and pathogen treatment significantly increased spruce mortality; however, no interaction between these stressors was observed

SUBMITTER: Gomez-Gallego M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9546048 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature