Further pathogenicity testing of Verticillium nonalfalfae, a biocontrol agent against the invasive Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), on non-target tree species in Europe.

ABSTRACT: Verticillium nonalfalfae is an effective biological control agent against the highly invasive Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) in Europe, and previous research on ten economically and ecologically important tree species occurring in Austria have so far not revealed undesired non-target effects. In this study, another nine tree species including five native, two non-native as well as two invasive alien tree species were tested for susceptibility to the particular strain of V. nonalfalfae (Vert56) used for biological control of A. altissima. Stem inoculations on potted seedlings revealed that this strain of V. nonalfalfae is generally host-adapted to A. altissima. It induced chlorosis, necrosis and wilting already within two weeks p

SUBMITTER: Lechner Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9638367 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature