Phytophthora pinifolia : the cause of Daño Foliar del Pino on Pinus radiata in Chile.

Abstract

Phytophthora pinifolia was first observed in Pinus radiata plantations in 2004 in the coastal areas of the Arauco province of Chile. P. pinifolia causes a disease known locally as 'daño foliar del pino (DFP)', which translates as pine foliar damage. The phylogeny, disease characteristics and spatial distribution, isolation and identification, epidemiology, and disease management of P. pinifolia are discussed.

Canker and decline diseases caused by soil- and airborne Phytophthora species in forests and woodlands

“…The considerable variation of disease incidences and affected areas over the years is related to the El Niño cycle and has been explained using favourable days calculated with the Hyre model. With 141 d, the peak of favourable conditions was recorded in 2006, which correlated with the highest disease incidence recorded until now, while each of the following years had less than 60 favourable days coinciding with low incidence of the disease ( Ahumada et al 2013 ). Due to the lack of preformed sporangial pedicels, P. pinifolia is not a true airborne species.…”

“…By 2006, the affected area had increased to almost 60 000 ha, with varying levels of damage. In 2007 the disease area decreased to less than 2 000 ha and has remained at that level ( Durán et al 2008 , 2010 , Ahumada et al 2013 ). Currently, the disease occurs between Constitución and Valdivia, exclusively in areas with high humidity during most of the year due to their proximity to the Pacific coast ( Ahumada et al 2013 ).…”

“…In 2007 the disease area decreased to less than 2 000 ha and has remained at that level ( Durán et al 2008 , 2010 , Ahumada et al 2013 ). Currently, the disease occurs between Constitución and Valdivia, exclusively in areas with high humidity during most of the year due to their proximity to the Pacific coast ( Ahumada et al 2013 ). ‘Daño foliar del pino’, one of the most important foliar diseases affecting Monterrey pine, is caused by the previously unknown P. pinifolia which was the first Phytophthora species reported to cause needle infections on Pinus spp.…”

“…( Durán et al 2008 ). The pathogen has only been found in Chile where it exclusively affects P. radiata ( Durán et al 2008 , 2010 , Ahumada et al 2012 , 2013 ). The considerable variation of disease incidences and affected areas over the years is related to the El Niño cycle and has been explained using favourable days calculated with the Hyre model.…”

“…Needle infection is usually characterized by the presence of a black band (translucent areas) and a pale-green to greyish discolouration ( Fig. 13g ) turning brown at the end of spring ( Ahumada et al 2013 ). Long-dead needles have a pale greyish colour ( Fig.…”