Interactions Between Root Rotting Phytophthora, Abies Christmas Trees, and Environment

Defining host-pathogen interactions between species of root-rotting Phytophthora and Abies in Christmas tree production areas is important for tailoring management activities on a regional scale and for developing molecular tools for identifying resistant host species. Classifying Abies species as resistant or susceptible is complicated by regional variation in abundance and aggressiveness of Phytophthora species and the influence of environment on symptom expression and host vigor. Because previous studies performed to assess host response to Phytophthora root rot (PRR) have focused on one or a few species of either the host or pathogen, a multifactorial experiment was conducted to assess the responses of seven species of Abies challenged with three isolates each of four Phytophthora species under contrasting temperature conditions. Evaluation of mortality, root rot severity, and remaining root biomass after 16 weeks of exposure to the pathogen confirmed prior inferences regarding inherent variation in the resistance responses of various species of Abies and demonstrated evidence of variation in aggressiveness among species of Phytophthora as well as different isolates of the same Phytophthora species. The ambient temperatures at which studies were conducted had a conspicuous effect on host mortality, root rot severity, and radial growth of Phytophthora. Understanding how host responses differ under variable pathogen attack and ambient environment will improve efforts to control PRR using host species substitutions on infested ground.