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Phellinus (Poria) weirii Root Rot
The information accessed from this screen is based on the publication: Wallis G. W. 1976. Phellinus (Poria) weirii Root Root Rot. Detection and Management Proposals in Douglas-fir Stands. Environment Canada, Forestry Service. Forestry Technical Report 12 18p.
Preface
The root rot fungus Phellinus (Poria) weirii is causing serious losses in young stands of Douglas-fir in coastal and interior regions of British Columbia. The fungus survives for decades in colonized large roots and stumps in the soil to perpetuate the disease in future rotations (Fig). In the early stages of the infections, P. weirii is difficult to diagnose but wind-throw and deteriorating crowns will eventually indicate the location of root rot centers. The root rot usually continues to spread slowly throughout the life of the stand and, depending upon the incidence and distribution of the initial infections, may cause heavy losses by rotation age.
This report is designed to assist field foresters, in British Columbia, concerned with management of P. weirii infected Douglas-fir stands. A summary of management proposals relative to stand management phases is given at the start of the paper. This is followed by a description of fungus behavior and characteristics needed to identify the disease and its cause. Factors relative to disease behavior which may aid in deciding management strategies to be employed are outlined at the end.
Survey methods and factors to be used when predicting future losses are being developed and will be made available when completed. In the meantime, you are urged to seek advice from the Pacific Forest Research Centre, Canadian Forestry Service, 506 West Burnside Road, Victoria, when attempting to define the consequences of infection in stands and when wishing to undertake training sessions to familiarize personnel with the disease.
For more information, see the Phellinus (Poria) weirii Root Rot Forest Pest Leaflet in the Canadian Forest Service bookstore.