EMERGING DISEASES

Most part of the species that follows human transports, animal migration and distant air-and water-flow from one part of the world to another remains unnoticed.  However, in special cases one single introduced species can make a great difference, if certain criteria are filled.

This is the case with two invasive fungi studied at our department: Ophiostoma ulmi and O.novo ulmi causing dutch elm disease and Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus (Chalara fraxinea) causing ash dieback. We are also investigating a new pine needle disease caused by the fungus Dothistroma pini, which at the moment spread through Europe. The research stretches from populations studies, to various biological and biochemical approaches of the fungi.

Water-sprouts on Ash tree infected by Chalara fraxinea
(Photo by Stina Bengtsson). 

People involved:

Jan Stenlid (Professor)
Rimvydas Vasaitis (Researcher)
Pia Barklund (Researcher)
Berit Samils (Researcher)
Katarina Ihrmark (Researcher)
Johanna Boberg (Post doc)
Anna Hopkins (Post doc)
Stina Bengtsson (PhD student)
Hanna Millberg (PhD student)

Our projects

Secondary metabolites produced by Chalara fraxinea. Contact: Stina Bengtsson, Rimvydas Vasaitis, Pia Barklund & Jan Stenlid

Population genetics of Chalara fraxinea. Microsatellites and minisatellite is used to compare and evaluate geographical patterns of isolates from the distribution area. Contact:  Stina Bengtsson, Rimvydas Vasaitis, Pia Barklund & Jan Stenlid

Development of the disease caused by Chalara fraxinea in a specific tree. Factors as time of the year, health and size of the tree and weather conditions is evaluated as possible factors affecting disease development. Contact:  Stina Bengtsson, Rimvydas Vasaitis, Pia Barklund & Jan Stenlid

Field monitoring of fungi infecting Scots pine needles -454-sequencing is used to analyze the pathogenic and endophytic fungal community in Scots pine needles in a gradient covering pine stands from the whole of Sweden. The project is funded by Future Forest and BACCARA. Contact: Hanna Millberg and Jan Stenlid

Effect of climate change on the geographical distribution of fungal pathogens- The project is funded by Future Forest and done in collaboration with SMHI/SWECLIM. Contact: Johanna Boberg and Jan Stenlid

Phytophthora species on Alder-distribution in Sweden and hybridization patterns of Phytophthora species infecting Alder. Contact: Jan Stenlid & Christer Olsson (University of Gothenburg)

Population biology and causes of local outbreaks of Resin top rust (Cronartium flaccidum). Contact: Jan Stenlid, Pia Barklund & Berit Samils 

Emerging diseases on Grevillia robusta in East Africa- dieback caused by Botryosphaeria spp. and others. Contact: Pia Barklund & Jane Njuguna