Development of tools for early detection, monitoring and management of the koa wilt pathogen (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. koae) in Hawaiíi

Abstract

Koa (Acacia koa Gray) is an endemic, keystone species in Hawai’i’s forests. Koa is valuable economically (contributed $30 million to Hawai’i’s forestry industry in 2001), ecologically (habitat for many endangered birds and insects), and culturally (koa is the main wood used for making Hawaiian canoes). Mortality of koa trees due to koa wilt (caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. koae; Foxy-koae) has been increasing, primarily in the low- to mid-elevation forests (Gardner 1980). Fusarium oxysporum (Foxy) is an important vascular wilt pathogen of many plant species worldwide (Leslie 2006). Foxy is highly variable and can be pathogenic or saprophytic without discernable, morphological differences. The origin of Foxy-koae strains that are virulent to koa in Hawaii is currently unknown.

Citation

Dobbs, John T.; Kim, Mee-Sook; Dudley, Nicklos S.; Jones, Tyler C.; Dumroese, R. Kasten; Cannon, Phil G.; Hauff, Robert D.; Klopfenstein, Ned B.; Stewart, Jane E. 2019. Development of tools for early detection, monitoring and management of the koa wilt pathogen (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. koae) in Hawaiíi. In: Cleaver, C.; Palacious, P., compilers. Proceedings of the 65th annual Western International Forest Disease Work Conference; 2-6 October 2017; Parksville, BC, Canada. WIFDWC. p. 105-108.