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Introduction:

Canadian research and development into biological control agents for forest weed control has been ongoing for many years by the Canadian Forest Service, McGill University and Laval University. Chondrostereum purpureum (C.p.) has been targeted as having potential for development as a registered biological control agent in Canada.

A national program of research is underway to test the field efficacy of several select C.p. isolates and formulations. A national protocol has been developed regarding trial experimental design, C.p. isolate selection, formulation, and application technology for the establihment of similar hardwood management trials across Canada. Both Populus tremuloides (aspen) and Alnus viridis spp. sinuata (Sitka alder) were chosen as candidate species for study in British Columbia.

Objectives:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of Chondrostereum purpureum as a bio-control agent of aspen and Sitka alder.

Experimental Design:

• Treatments:

• Layout:

  • A randomized complete block design (RCBD) trial with five replications of nine treatments was established.
  • All treatment plots (except for the uncut control plots) were manually brushed prior to the application of C.p. treatments or herbicide.

• Sites:

  1. Ripperto Creek - Sitka Alder
  2. B.C. Mine - Aspen

Major Findings:

Ripperto Creek 1996 Sitka Alder Results:

Sitka alder clump mortality for the BC formulation + Chondrostereum purpureum. isolates was found to be statistically no different than the herbicide treatment (80 and 88% mortality respectively) (Figure 1. (70k gif)). The Ontario formulation + C.p. however, was found to be less effective (45 and 55% mortality respectively).

The addition of C.p. to the Ontario formulation did not result in a significant clump mortality increase. The addition of C.p. to the BC formulation did result in significant increases in clump mortality (Figure 2. (120k gif)).

The addition of C.p. to either the BC or Ontario formulation resulted in a reduction in the number of living sprouts per clump in those clumps that survived. However, only the BC formulation + C.p. resulted in significantly less live sprout numbers than the brushed only control clumps (Figure 3. (70k gif)).

The cut stump application of C.p. effectively controlled Sitka alder one season after treatment. The BC formulation + Jam6 resulted in the highest clump mortality of all the combination treatments and the least growth of living sprouts (stem volume and basal area).

The first season results indicate that C.p. has potential as a biocontrol agent for Sitka alder. However, continued monitoring of the treatments is necessary to assess the full silvicultural impact and long term implications on the environment.

Related Projects:

• More information can be found at http://www.for.gov.bc.ca/nelson/research/eplocation/eb113505.htm

References and Publications:

Harper, G., P. Comeau, B. Biring, and S. Andersson. 1997. Testing Forest Vegetation Management Options. Expert Committee on Weeds, Research Report, National Meeting, Dec 9-12, 1996, Victoria, B.C., Page 192.

Harper, G., P. Comeau, R. Wall, R. Prasad, and W. Hintz. 1997. First-season efficacy results for Chondrostereum purpureum applications on Sitka alder in B.C. Expert Committee on Weeds, Research Report, National Meeting, Dec 9-12, Victoria, B.C., Page 157.

Harper, G., P. Comeau, R. Wall, W. Hintz, and R. Prasad. 1996. An evaluation of Chondrostereum purpureum for the control of aspen and Sitka alder. Establishment and first year progress report: EP1135.05. B.C. Min. For, Research Branch, Victoria.

Harper, G., P. Comeau, R. Wall, W. Hintz, and R. Prasad. 1995. An evaluation of Chondrostereum purpureum for the control of aspen and Sitka alder. E.P. 1135.05 Working Plan. B.C. Ministry of Forests, Victoria

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Last Updated: May 29, 1998