Toward DNA-based and bioclimatic modeling tools to identify Armillaria pathogens, predict host/pathogen distributions, and manage Armillaria root disease in the Intermountain Region under changing environments

Abstract

Armillaria root disease is one of the leading causes of growth loss and mortality in coniferous forests of the western USA (Lockman & Kearns 2016). Recent surveys suggest Armillaria root disease is increasing on trees in Utah (John Guyon, per. comm.). To maintain forest resilience and productivity, we must determine (1) which Armillaria species are involved in current root diseases and associated mortality in forests across the region, (2) where these Armillaria species occur/will occur across the current and future landscapes, and (3) where changing climates could exacerbate this disease. Previous studies suggest that Armillaria root disease is more severe in trees that are maladapted to climate-induced stress (e.g., Klopfenstein et al. 2009, Kliejunas et al. 2009, Sturrock et al. 2011, Dempster 2017, Kubiak et al. 2017, Aslam & Magel 2018). Thus, it is likely climate change will further exacerbate damage from Armillaria root disease.

Citation

Hanna, J. W.; Warwell, M. V.; Sitz, R. A.; Guyon, J. C.; Hebertson, E. G.; Saavedra, A. L.; Blodgett, J. T.; Kim, M.-S.; Stewart, J. E.; Ashiglar, S. M.; McDonald, G. I.; Klopfenstein, N. B. 2020. Toward DNA-based and bioclimatic modeling tools to identify Armillaria pathogens, predict host/pathogen distributions, and manage Armillaria root disease in the Intermountain Region under changing environments. In: Reynolds, Gregory J.; Wilhelmi, Nicholas P.; Palacios, Patsy, compilers. Proceeding of the 66th Western International Forest Disease Work Conference; 3-7 June 2019; Estes Park, CO. WIFDWC: www.wifdwc.org. p. 177-182.