The soil microbiome associated with brown root rot pathogen (Phellinus noxius) in the Pacific Islands - Implications for disease management

Abstract

Phellinus noxius, is a destructive, fast-growing pathogen that causes brown root rot disease of a very wide range of woody hosts (Cannon et al. 2022). Its devastating effects on fruit trees, cacao, ornamentals, coffee, and rubber have been documented across diverse global regions, such as Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, Australia, and various Pacific Islands (e.g., Guam, Saipan, Kosrae, Pohnpei, Palau, American Samoa, etc.) (Stewart et al. 2020; Cannon et al. 2022). To date, this pathogen has not been reported in some Pacific Islands and other U.S. states/territories (e.g., Hawaii, Florida, Puerto Rico), but it represents a major invasive threat based on our bioclimatic models (Stewart et al. 2020). Current concerns are that future human activities will exacerbate this disease or even potentially introduce it to other locations, where it has not been reported (e.g., Kozhar et al. 2022; Stewart et al. 2020).

Citation

Kozhar, Olga; Kim, Mee-Sook; Cannon, Phil G.; Stewart, Jane E.; Klopfenstein, Ned B. 2024. The soil microbiome associated with brown root rot pathogen (Phellinus noxius) in the Pacific Islands - Implications for disease management. In: Brooks, Rachel K., compiler. Proceedings of the 68th Western International Forest Disease Work Conference; 5-9 June 2023; Rohnert Park, CA. Online: https://www.wifdwc.org. p. 211-216.