Defense Mechanisms Of Woody Plants Against Fungi

For the past decade, it has been apparent to both of us that a reference text covering all aspects of tree defense mechanisms to fungi was missing, needed and long overdue. Such a book would provide a clear, comprehensive overview of how living roots, stems and leaves respond to fungal pathogens. The need for such a book became in creasingly clear to us from our conversations with each other, as well as from our interactions with students and colleagues who desired a sourcebook containing reviews of morphological, biochemical and physiological aspects of host-parasite interactions in trees. During a field trip sponsored by the Forest Pathology Committee of the Ameri can Phytopathological Society, on a bus from one site to another, we decided to take the responsibility to prepare a book of this type and began to plan its composition. To adequately address the topic of this book as we had envisioned it, we believed that well-illustrated chapters were needed in order to reflect the important advances made by the many investigators who have examined the anatomical and physiological changes that occur when trees are attacked by fungi. We are grateful to Dr. Tore Timell, the Wood Science editor for Springer-Verlag, for supporting our efforts and for providing an avenue to publish such a profusely il lustrated volume.

Defense mechanisms against fungi in bark, xylem, roots, and foliage of woodyangiosperms and gymnosperms are addressed in this newest addition to the SPRINGER SERIES IN WOOD SCIENCE. The topic is approached from an anatomical and physiological perspective with emphasis on the relationships betweenplant structure and function and their role in defensive reactions and woundrepair. Contributions on the biochemistry of defensive reactions, in-depth treatises on specific diseases such as Dutch elm disease, Hypoxylon canker of aspen, and Fusiform rust of pines, as well as chapters on wound reactions in bark tissues, microenvironmental aspects of xylem decay, the role of mycorrhizzal fungi in defense, physiological responses of trees to fungal symbionts of insects, and the application of tissue culture and immunocytochemistry to the study of defense mechanisms in trees are included. One of the most significantfeatures of the book is the large complement of photographic plates which serves to bring together a plethora of histopathological data.

General review of active defense mechanisms in plants against pathogens. A structural view of active defence. Physiological and biochemical events associated with expression of resistance to disease. Mechanisms conferring specific recongnition in gene-for-gene plant-parasite systems. Determinants of planta response to bacterial infection. Defence mechanisms of plants against varietal non-specific pathogens. Mechanisms in non-host resistance. The absence of active defence mechanisms in compatible host-pathogen interactions. Plant immunization-mechanisms and practical implications. Genetical aspects of active defence. Active resistance of plantas to viruses. Localized resistance and barrier substances. The protective effects of systemic virus infection. Regulation of changes in proteins and enzymes associated with active defence against virus infection. Antiviral agents and inducers of virus resistance: analogies with interferon. The effect of defence reactions on the energy balance and yield of resistant plants.

This book provides an up-to-date overview of the various wood and tree fungi that damage trees, lumber, and timber. Special focus is given to identification, prevention, and remediation techniques, and the book bridges the gap between research and application. It covers the fundamentals of cytology and morphology. There is a more practical section describing damage by viruses and bacteria on trees. The habitats of wood fungi are described as well as tree care. Important tree pathogens and wood decay fungi are characterized for prevention and identification. The final section focuses on the positive effects of wood-inhabiting microorganisms.

Plants interact with a large number of microoganisms which have a major impact on their growth either by establishing mutually beneficial symbiotic relationships or by developing as pathogens at the expense of the plant with deleterious effects. These microorganisms differ greatly not only in their nature (viruses, phytoplasmas, bacteria, fungi, nematodes, ... ) but also in the way they contact, penetrate and invade their host. Histology and cytology have brought an essential contribution to our knowledge of these phenomena. They have told us for instance, how specialized structures of the pathogen are often involved in the adhesion and penetration into the plant, how the interface between both organisms is finely arranged at the cellular level, or what structural alterations affect the infected tissues. They have thus set the stage for the investigations of the underlying molecular mechanisms could be undertaken. Such investigations have been remarkably successful in the recent years, expanding considerably our understanding of plant-microorganism interactions in terms of biochemical changes, rapid modifications of enzymatic activities, coordinated gene activation, signal reception and transduction. Biochemistry, molecular biology and cellular physiology have taken precedence in the phytopathologist's set of methods.

Over the last fifty years, there has been an increasing recognition that eucalypts are vulnerable to a wide range of diseases. They have suffered destructive epidemics, particularly of dieback caused by the cinnamon fungus in native forests, of foliar diseases and cankers in plantations, and of dieback of remnant trees on agricultural and grazing land. This has stimulated intensive research into the causes and management of diseases of the eucalypts. This work represents a comprehensive review of our current knowledge of the health and diseases of eucalypts.

Many arborists learn tree work practices without fully understanding the biological and physiological principles behind them. However, outcomes for the health and longevity of trees are greatly improved when an arborist understands the science behind the care of tree root systems and crowns. In Applied Tree Biology, Drs. Hirons and Thomas draw upon their decades of experience in the laboratory, classroom, and the field – as well as the expertise of distinguished contributors to this volume – to provide those responsible for tree care with the scientific information that informs best practices for planting, pruning, soil decompaction, irrigation, and much more. Takes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating knowledge from plant biology, physiology, arboriculture, ecology, and more Provides a systematic presentation of fundamental tree biology and the scientific principles informing high quality tree care Presents accessible scientific information and best practices that help promote the health and longevity of trees Reflects the authors’ decades of experience as tree biology researchers and educators, as well as their years of professional experience across the globe Applied Tree Biology is an indispensable source of practical, succinct information on tree biology, physiology, and ecology for professionals and interested amateurs involved with the care of trees. Arborists, foresters, and horticulturists at all stages of their careers will find this text particularly useful.