It was first discovered in Catalonia. brown band mushroom Which infects several species of pine trees in the Bergeda forests. The researcher at the Catalan Forest Science and Technology Centre (CFTC), Maria Cabalol, discovered the presence of this fungus, which eventually leads to leaf fallreduces growth and even It can cause tree death..
Kabalol explains that the fungus was discovered while monitoring another disease, namely Roja band, a disease that also affects pine trees.Then I realized it. Symptoms did not match completely
To confirm this, he isolated the pathogen from the leaves and ran it Molecular study identifies “Lecanosicta acicola” – The scientific name for the brown band – as in the fungi causing the damage observed.
Brown band disease
Causes of brown band disease Damage to needles and leavesfrom different types of pine, explains the researcher and doctoral student at the University of Lleida.
Symptoms can be seen when: The fungus produces dark brown spots with a yellow halo.The leaves end up surrounded by these brown bands, hence its common name.
The infection ends with the needles being killed and entering. Causes fallso it affects the tree’s ability to photosynthesize, and thus feed itself. In the long run, it reduces their growth and can cause their death.
He’s about to This is the first time that the pathogen causing brown stripe has been found in Catalonia. Kabalol noted that they had no record of his origin. Invasive pathogens in Berguida forests.
“We also don’t know how long it has been here or if it has been found in other forests in Catalonia. But the discovery is important because it allows us to start monitoring it, studying its behaviour, knowing what conditions are favourable for the fungus and, in the future, being able to recommend management measures to mitigate its impact.”
The discovery of the brown stripe is “key,” according to Capalol, because it allows Activate disease monitoring And decide whether you want to apply any treatment.
Pests and the climate crisis
The researcher explained that its appearance could be climate crisis relatedBecause the disease is favored by warm climatic conditions and High temperatures and humidityThat’s why it’s believed that these fungi can do this. Also found “in areas that were cooler”.
However, Kabalol confirmed that Drought is not an effect that predisposes trees to disease.That is, the climatic conditions encourage the disease, not because the tree is stressed.”
In other areas of Spain or Europe where the brown stripe is present, the disease is widespread. Red Band“They tend to hang out together in the same forest,” the researcher noted.
“There are a few countries in Europe that still don’t have the disease. However, it is present in local areas, which is why it is important to monitor it, to make sure it doesn’t spread.”
Spread The disease is given through Germs that can be carried by rain or wind.But also through Infected plants Which moves between countries.
Forest Health Manager at Acció Climàtica, Jorge HerasHe stressed that when it comes to pests, “it is very important to detect them as soon as possible.”
“The first thing is to try to stop them from getting in, to dig them up and try to eliminate them.”
As for the brown strip, the expert certainly pointed that out. “We have to get used to living with this new pathogen.”.
Heras explained that they pray every time. More pests in the Catalan forestsActually, they are. Waiting for one to affect the pine trees Which is currently present in the forests of France. He added that for this reason “it is necessary to conduct more and more intensive surveys” in a systematic and specific manner.
Detection of the pathogen has become possible within the framework of Rovo Project (Healthier Forests for a Sustainable Future), with a grant to fund research projects to mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis from the university and the Research Grants Management Agency.
“Prone to fits of apathy. Introvert. Award-winning internet evangelist. Extreme beer expert.”
