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Home → Publications → American Chestnut Proceedings → 1982 → Experimentation with Hypovirulent Endothia Parasitica in Michigan

Experimentation with Hypovirulent Endothia Parasitica in Michigan

ABSTRACT.--Samples of Endothia parasitica obtained from American chestnut trees in Michigan have been isolated in pure culture according to standard techniques. Isolates from virulent populations and presumed hypovirulent populations of Michigan E. parasitica are presently in culture. Michigan virulent strains of E. parasitica are normal in appearance and cause cankers on excised chestnut wood that are similar in size to those reported elsewhere. Michigan American chestnut trees with healing or quiescent cankers have been tested for susceptibility to virulent forms of E. parasitica. The response of these Michigan trees suggests that they are not resistant to disease. Strains of E. parasitica from healing stands appear morphologically normal or abnormal in culture. These strains of E. parasitica possess dsRNA that is capable of being transferred to vegetatively compatible virulent strains of E. parasitica in culture and on excised dormant chestnut wood. Field tests were initiated in the spring of 1981 to determine the possibility of using native Michigan strains of hypovirulent E. parasitica to control virulent populations of E. parasitica in Michigan. The results of laboratory tests and field trials are presented.


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Author(s): W. H. Weidlich, Dennis W. Fulbright, Karen Z. Haufler

Publication: American Chestnut Proceedings - 1982