Ulcerative tumour-like disease of white fir in the Pokuttia Carpathians

Abstract

The current state of dark coniferous forests on Earth is a bio-indicator of global environmental change, in particular, the process of gradual degradation of tree species of the genera Pine, Spruce and Fir, due to the negative impact of anthropogenic activities, abiotic and biotic factors. The purpose of the study is to establish the symptoms, prevalence and harmfulness of the causative agent of ulcerative tumour-like disease on the shoots and trunks of white fir. The research was conducted on the territory of the forest fund of the Pokuttia Carpathians, in particular, within the branch Kutske forestry of the State Specialised Economic Enterprise “Forests of Ukraine” in the Kosivske forest enterprise. The study uses classical phytopathological and mycological methods, which are used to investigate the aetiology of the disease, analyse typical symptoms (starting from the early stages), and perform microscopy of the affected parts of fir. The symptoms, aetiology, and pathogenesis of white fir ulcer-like disease, which tends to spread, were investigated. A new name for the disease is substantiated, in particular, it is proposed to use the name “ulcerative tumour-like disease” of fir instead of the current name “cancer”. It is shown that a typical sign of infection is the development of tumours, which eventually transform into ulcers. It was found that the tumour-like type of lesion prevails on the undergrowth of fir, and on plants of the upper tiers – ulcerative. It is noted that a typical sign of ulcerative tumour-like disease of white fir is also the presence of pathologies such as “witches’ broom”. It is proposed to remove affected trees with typical signs of infection with ulcerative tumour-like disease to reduce the infectious background, especially during lighting and cleaning, since affected trees are not released from infection. Therefore, assessing the risk of infection of white fir trees with ulcerative tumour-like disease at the level of specific stands and ensuring an appropriate response to potential infection risks is an important part of sustainable forest management