Studies on Heterobasidion and Its Control of Root and Butt Rots by the H.annosum Complex

The Heterobasidion annosum complex are the most aggressive pathogens on coniferous forests in northern hemisphere,and they cause severe damages on many gymnosperm trees:The species complex were considered as a single species,however,three species have been recognized in Europe: Heterobasidion annosum sensu stricto,H.parviporum and H.abietinum.The three species have differences in biological,morphological and ecological characteristics,hosts and distribution.Being controlling the disease of root and butt rots,Phlebiopsis gigantea is the best antagonistic fungus to prevent the Heterobasidion annosum complex.The single-spore cultures of Heterobasidion from northeastern and southwestern China were paired with homocaryons of three European species,and the Chinese stocks mated European H.parviporum only.Heterobasidion annosum and H.abietinum do not exist in China so far,and they should be considered to be in quarantine in China because these two species are important forest pathogens in Europe.