Optimization of factors affecting the rooting of pine wilt disease resistant Masson pine (Pinus massoniana) stem cuttings

Abstract

Pine wilt disease (PWD) is a devastating disease affecting trees belonging to the genus Pinus. To control the spread of PWD in the Masson pine forest in China, PWD resistant Masson pine clones have been selected by the Anhui Academy of Forestry. However, because Masson pine is a difficult-to-root species, producing seedlings is challenging, especially from trees older than 5 years of age, which impedes the application of PWD resistant clones. In this study, we investigated the factors affecting rooting of PWD resistant clones and established a cheap, reliable, and simple method that promotes rooting. We tested the effects of three management methods, four substrates, two cutting materials, two cutting treatments, and three collection times on the rooting of cuttings obtained from 9-year-old PWD resistant clones. Rooting was observed only in stem cuttings treated with the full-light automatic spray management method. Additionally, stem cuttings showed a significantly higher rooting rate and root quality than needles cuttings. Compared with other substrates, stem cuttings planted in perlite produced the longest adventitious root and the highest total root length and lateral root number. Moreover, stem cuttings of PWD resistant clones collected in May showed a significantly higher rooting rate and root quality than those collected in June and July. Moreover, stem cuttings prepared with a horizontal cut while retaining the needles showed significantly higher rooting rate and root quality than those prepared with a diagonal cut while partly removing the needles. This study promotes the reproduction of seedlings of PWD-resistant Masson pine clones which helps control the spread of PWD, meanwhile, provides a technical reference for the propagation of mature pine trees via cuttings.

Effects of trunk injection with emamectin benzoate on arthropod diversity

“…18 Methods for prevention and control of PWD primarily consist of quarantine, cleaning dead wood, biological control, and chemical control. [19][20][21][22] Among these methods, chemical control via trunk injection effectively stops PWD, and it has the advantage of accurate application and high-control efficiency. [23][24][25] Emamectin benzoate, a semi-synthetic second-generation avermectin-derived insecticide, 24 is a new type of insecticide and acaricide that is highly effective for controlling Plutella xylostella and other lepidopter pests.…”

“…Thus, this disease causes billions of dollars in damage annually and severely threatens pine resources 18 . Methods for prevention and control of PWD primarily consist of quarantine, cleaning dead wood, biological control, and chemical control 19‐22 . Among these methods, chemical control via trunk injection effectively stops PWD, and it has the advantage of accurate application and high‐control efficiency 23‐25 …”