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A special issue of Forests (ISSN 1999-4907). This special issue belongs to the section "Forest Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (3 June 2022) | Viewed by 40701

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Prof. Dr. Justyna A. Nowakowska

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Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, Wóycickiego 1/3 Street, 01-938 Warsaw, Poland
Interests: molecular biology; molecular genetics; forestry; forensic sciences; biotechnology
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Dr. Lassaâd Belbahri

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Laboratory of Soil Biology, Department of Biology, University of Neuchatel, 2000 Neuchatel, Switzerland
Interests: oomycete plant pathogens; phytophthora; biotechnological applications of fungal enzymes
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Prof. Dr. Tomasz Oszako

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Department of Forest Protection, Forest Research Institute in Sękocin Stary, Braci Leśnej 3, 05-090 Raszyn, Poland
Interests: forest protection; plant pathology; oomycetes; biodiversity; e-nose; BCA; IPM; VOC; GC-MS; phosphites; phosphogipsum; silicon
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biological control of forest plant material becomes an imperative in regard of EU regulations on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) requiring a search for alternative plant protection methods that are safe for humans, animals and the environment. The objective of this Special Issue in Forests is to summarize state-of-art knowledge on Forest Tree Protection by exploring biocontrol measures undertaken in biological pest and disease control, physiology and behaviour of biocontrol agents and their interaction with hosts, genetic improvement of natural enemies including genetic manipulation, environmental impact studies and the role of biocontrol methods in integrated forest protection. Original research papers and review articles in forest organisms trees related with BCA, including plant physiology approaches (from classical physiology to molecular techniques of identification and genome editing CRISPR/Cas9), are welcome.

Dr. Justyna A. Nowakowska
Dr. Lassaâd Belbahri
Prof. Tomasz Oszako
Guest Editors

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Keywords

BCA
forest trees
pathogens
insects
nematodes
genetic engineering

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

4 pages, 683 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Biological Control in Forests Protection

by Justyna Anna Nowakowska, Lassaâd Belbahri and Tomasz Oszako

Forests 2023, 14(3), 446; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14030446 - 21 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1258

Abstract

Forests are a vital component of the natural environment as they support biodiversity, sequester carbon, play a key role in biogeochemical cycles, and produce the organic matter necessary for terrestrial organisms [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control in Forests Protection)

Research

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22 pages, 1887 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Mycobiome of Post-Agricultural Soils 20 Years after Application of Organic Substrates and Planting of Pine Seedlings

by Tadeusz Malewski, Piotr Borowik, Ireneusz Olejarski, Daria Berezovska, Valentyna Dyshko, Jolanta Behnke-Borowczyk, Wojciech Pusz, Slavica Matic and Tomasz Oszako

Forests 2023, 14(1), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/f14010036 - 25 Dec 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2538

Abstract

A 20-year study of a pine stand on post-agricultural land showed that woody debris in the form of organic matter can be successfully used to restore symbiotic mycorrhizal communities, as is the case with forest soils. Woody substrates restored organic matter in soils altered by long agricultural use and had a positive effect on the composition of mycobiota antagonistic to pathogens, especially to Heterobasidion annosum, the causal agent of the dangerous disease root and stump rot of many forest tree species, including stands of Pinus sylvestris (L.). In a study that started in 2001 in the forest district of Czarne Człuchowskie (northern Poland), the following organic materials were used: wood residues (W), sawdust (S), bark compost (B), and compost applied to the root zone during planting (G). The organic materials were spread in the form of mulch over the entire area during planting. After twenty years, it was found that the substrates used provided suitable growth conditions for mycobiome useful for pines. The addition of organic matter did not change the alpha biodiversity of the soil, but in the long term led to significant changes in the composition of mycobiota (beta biodiversity). The changes in the soil after the addition of organic material naturally accelerated the formation of the forest habitat. A number of fungi evolved that degraded added lignin and cellulose while being antagonists of H. annosum and other pine pathogens. In particular, the well-known hyperpathogens of the genus Trichoderma played an important role by promoting resistance of the soil environment to pathogens. Soil enrichment by bark compost and wood residues increased the relative abundance of Trichoderma more than fourfold.Mycorrhizal fungi became dominant in soil enriched with organic matter. After enriching the soil with bark compost, the relative abundance of Amphinema and Inocybe increased to 5%. The relative abundance of Russula in soil enriched with wood residues and sawdust increased to 9% and 5%, respectively. Mycorrhizal fungi, e.g., of the genus Ąmanita, Rusula, which formed root mycorrhizae, not only increased the root receiving area many times over, but also protected the roots (mechanically and chemically from pathogens). Altogether, the observed positive changes increase the chances that the first generation of pines will survive on the ground. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control in Forests Protection)

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12 pages, 1302 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Application of Copper and Silver Nanoparticles in the Protection of Fagus sylvatica Wood against Decomposition by Fomes fomentarius

by Jacek Piętka, Andrzej Adamczuk, Ewa Zarzycka, Mirela Tulik, Marcin Studnicki, Tomasz Oszako and Marta Aleksandrowicz-Trzcińska

Forests 2022, 13(10), 1724; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13101724 - 19 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2046

Abstract

Wood technology is constantly looking for environmentally friendly technological solutions. It seems that nanotechnology can provide green and environmentally friendly alternatives for wood protection. In this study, the antifungal activity of silver and copper nanoparticles against the white rot fungus Fomes fomentarius was investigated under in vitro conditions and with respect to the protection of Fagus sylvatica wood. In both experiments, 5, 25 and 50 ppm of nanoparticles were used. The results of the in vitro test showed selective antifungal activity of the nanoparticles. All concentrations of copper nanoparticles stimulated mycelial growth. The stimulation was inversely proportional to the concentration. Silver nanoparticles inhibited fungal colony growth at the highest concentration (50 ppm) and did not affect growth at concentrations of 5 and 25 ppm. Silver nanoparticles increased the rot resistance of beech wood, but only at the highest concentration. Decay caused by F. fomentarius was stimulated by copper nanoparticles at the highest concentration. Probably, the fungus used copper as a micronutrient for better growth and increased the activity of extracellular enzymes. Our results from in vitro tests are consistent with those obtained on beech wood specimens, showing that the concentrations of the two nanoparticles used were too low to protect the beech wood from decomposition by xylophagous fungus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control in Forests Protection)

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17 pages, 1188 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Secondary Metabolites of Wood-Decaying Fungi to Reduce Damping off Disease

by Urszula Waszczuk, Ewa Zapora, Daria Berezovska, Marcin Stocki, Marek Wołkowycki, Tadeusz Malewski, Tom Hsiang, Tomasz Oszako and Piotr Borowik

Forests 2022, 13(8), 1208; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13081208 - 1 Aug 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2591

Abstract

Phytopathogenic fungi can cause plant diseases that are difficult to control, including mass mortality of some tree species. The Fusarium oxysporum complex (sensu lato) is one of the most dangerous groups of phytopathogenic fungi, causing the death of conifer species, including Pinus sylvestris seedlings in forest and ornamental nurseries. Recently, non-chemical methods of plant protection have become the basis of integrated pest management (IPM) in the European Union (EC Directive). The possibility of protection of pine seedlings against the pathogen F. oxysporum using active substances from wood-destroying fungi commonly found in forests was examined. Methanolic extracts of Fomitopsis pinicola, Ganoderma applanatum, and Trametes versicolor were found to contain substances effective in both prevention and treatment of infected seedlings. G. applanatum and T. versicolor showed particular biological activity in increasing plant resistance. Efficacy, especially of the extract of F. pinicola, increased with concentration. Further field trials are needed to confirm the results obtained in laboratory tests on plant protection. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control in Forests Protection)

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21 pages, 2752 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biocontrol of Phytophthora xcambivora on Castanea sativa: Selection of Local Trichoderma spp. Isolates for the Management of Ink Disease

by Arcangela Frascella, Sabrina Sarrocco, Antonietta Mello, Francesco Venice, Cristina Salvatici, Roberto Danti, Giovanni Emiliani, Sara Barberini and Gianni Della Rocca

Forests 2022, 13(7), 1065; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13071065 - 6 Jul 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5129

Abstract

Ink disease is a devastating disease of chestnut (Castanea sativa) worldwide, caused by Phytophthora species. The only management measures of this disease are chemical and agronomic interventions. This work focuses on the evaluation of the in vitro antagonistic capacity of 20 isolates of Trichoderma spp. selected in a diseased chestnut orchard in Tuscan Apennines (San Godenzo, Italy) for the biocontrol of Phytophthora xcambivora. Each Trichoderma isolate was tested to investigate pathogen inhibition capability by antagonism in dual cultures and antibiosis by secondary metabolites production (diffusible and Volatile Organic Compounds). The six most performing isolates of Trichoderma spp. were further assessed for their aptitude to synthesize chitinase, glucanase and cellulase, and to act as mycoparasite. All six selected isolates displayed the capability to control the pathogen in vitro by synergistically coupling antibiosis and mycoparasitism at different levels regardless of the species they belong to, but rather, in relation to specific features of the single genotypes. In particular, T. hamatum SG18 and T. koningiopsis SG6 displayed the most promising results in pathogen inhibition, thus further investigations are needed to confirm their in vivo efficacy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control in Forests Protection)

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12 pages, 1889 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Loss of Gramicidin Biosynthesis in Gram-Positive Biocontrol Bacterium Aneurinibacillus migulanus (Takagi et al., 1993) Shida et al. 1996 Emend Heyndrickx et al., 1997 Nagano Impairs Its Biological Control Ability of Phytophthora

by Faizah N. Alenezi, Ali Chenari Bouket, Hafsa Cherif-Silini, Allaoua Silini, Marcel Jaspars, Tomasz Oszako and Lassaȃd Belbahri

Forests 2022, 13(4), 535; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13040535 - 30 Mar 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1970

Abstract

The soil-borne species Aneurinibacillus migulanus (A. migulanus) strains Nagano and NCTC 7096 were shown to be potent biocontrol agents active against several plant diseases in agricultural and forest ecosystems. Both strains produce the cyclic peptide gramicidin S (GS) that was described as the main weapon inhibiting some gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria and fungus-like organisms along with the production of biosurfactant and hemolysis activities. However, the contribution of the cyclic peptide gramicidin S (GS) to the biocontrol ability of A. migulanus has never been studied experimentally. In this paper, using a mutant of the A. migulanus Nagano strain (E1 mutant) impaired in GS biosynthesis we evaluated the contribution of GS in the biocontrol potential of A. migulanus against Phytophthora spp. The two strains of A. migulanus, Nagano and NCTC 7096, were tested in a pilot study for the inhibition of the growth of 13 Phytophthora species in dual culture assays. A. migulanus Nagano was significantly more inhibitory than NCTC 7096 to all species. Additionally, using apple infection assays, P. rosacearum MKDF-148 and P. cryptogea E2 were shown to be the most aggressive on apple fruits displaying clear infection halos. Therefore, the three A. migulanus strains, Nagano, NCTC 7096, and E1, were used in apple infection experiments to check their effect on infection ability of these two Phytophthora species. Treatment with A. migulanus Nagano significantly reduced the severity of symptoms in apple fruits compared with NCTC 7096. A. migulanus E1 mutant showed total loss of biocontrol ability suggesting that GS is a major actor in the biocontrol ability of A. migulanus Nagano strain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control in Forests Protection)

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19 pages, 3182 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Two Populations of Dastarcus helophoroides (Fairmaire) under High Temperature Stress

by Haiyan Shen, Huan He, Ciding Lu, Yun Liang, Hongmin Wu, Lingzhi Zheng, Xiaoyi Wang and Guanghong Liang

Forests 2022, 13(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/f13010013 - 22 Dec 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3008

Abstract

The differentially expressed genes (DEGs), key genes and metabolic pathways of the parasitic beetle, Dastarcus helophoroides (Fairmaire), were compared between the fiftieth commercially reared population and the first natural population to reveal the adaptive mechanism in response to high temperature stress. The high-throughput sequencing technique was employed for transcriptome sequencing of two populations of D. helophoroides. In total, 47,763 non-redundant transcripts with the average length of 989.31 bp and the N50 of 1607 bp were obtained. Under high temperature stress, 1108 DEGs were found in the commercial population; while there were 3946 DEGs in the natural population, which were higher than those in the commercial population (3.56 times). High temperature stress of D. helophoroides promoted the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) and metabolism-related genes in both populations, but metabolism synthesis and hydrolysis of natural population was much higher, allowing them to produce more resistant substances (such as HSPs, superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxiredoxin (Prx), etc.). Therefore, HSPs may play a major role in the high temperature adaptation of a commercial population, while the natural population probably respond to heat stress with more resistant substances (such as HSPs, SOD, Prx, etc.). These results provide a reference to select and domesticate a specific ecotype with stronger adaptability to the high temperature weather in the forest and further improve the efficiency of D. helophoroides as a bio-control factor. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control in Forests Protection)

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12 pages, 1140 KiB

Open AccessArticle

First Report of Entomopathogenic Fungi Occurrence in Forest Soils in Croatia

by Marta Kovač, Cezary Tkaczuk and Milan Pernek

Forests 2021, 12(12), 1690; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12121690 - 2 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2288

Abstract

Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) in Croatian forests are known only from observations of insect cadavers that show obvious signs of disease. To date, their presence in soils has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate their occurrence, diversity, and distribution, and to assess their density in tested soils. Soil samples were collected during 2018, 2019, and 2020 at different localities throughout the country, and analyzed by using a method of isolation of fungi on selective culture media. To assess the density of EPF in tested soils, colonies of individual fungal species were counted and recorded; the results were expressed as the number of colony-forming units (CFU) per gram of dry soil. After morphological and molecular analysis, five entomopathogenic fungal genera were identified: Beauveria spp., Metarhizium spp., Purpureocillium spp., Lecanicillium spp., and Paecilomyces spp. Results also showed that the range of a total EPF colony density in the soil varies from 4 × 10³ to 27.4 × 10³ CFU g⁻¹. The most common were EPF of the genus Beauveria, which were recorded at four of five locations, and at 16 of 25 sampling points, but the highest average number (density) of colonies belonged to the genus Metarhizium. Since this type of research was never conducted in Croatia previously, this is the first evidence that insect pathogenic fungi are present in soils of different natural forest habitats. Such research can be useful in selecting and utilizing entomopathogens that are suitable for biological pest control in certain target areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control in Forests Protection)

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5 pages, 994 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Invasive vs. Invasive, Parthenium hysterophorus as a Bio-Control Agent against Invasive Mealybugs

by Taswar Ahsan, Bingxue Li and Yuanhua Wu

Forests 2021, 12(7), 936; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12070936 - 16 Jul 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2057

Abstract

Parthenium hysterophorus has an antagonistic potential against mealybugs, which are hosted on wild Dalbergia sissoo. In the current study, an aqueous extract of Parthenium was evaluated against mealybugs on Dalbergia sissoo. A serial dose of 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 500 µg/mL of aqueous extract was prepared from all parts of the Parthenium plant. After 72 h at high doses, 200 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL aqueous extracts had high mortality of 76.67% and 73.33% via the residual method, respectively. Meanwhile at same dose after 72 h, the contact method had higher mortality percentages of 80% and 80% at 200 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL, respectively. After 48 h at a high dose (200 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL), the mortality of the mealybugs was highest via the contact method. The results show a mortality of 73.33% with both doses. Meanwhile the same doses, via the contact method, after 48 h had a 63.33% mortality rate. After 24 h via the contact method, at 200 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL the mortality of mealybug was 70% with both doses, whereas via the mortality rate via the residual method at 200 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL doses was 56.67% and 66.67%, respectively. These results indicate that Parthenium is a strong bio-control agent against mealybugs. Aqueous extracts could lead to a cost effective and environmentally friendly insecticidal for sustainable use in large scale forestry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control in Forests Protection)

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Review

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17 pages, 5381 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bacillus velezensis: A Treasure House of Bioactive Compounds of Medicinal, Biocontrol and Environmental Importance

by Faizah N. Alenezi, Houda Ben Slama, Ali Chenari Bouket, Hafsa Cherif-Silini, Allaoua Silini, Lenka Luptakova, Justyna Anna Nowakowska, Tomasz Oszako and Lassaad Belbahri

Forests 2021, 12(12), 1714; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12121714 - 6 Dec 2021

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 7560

Abstract

Bacillus velezensis gram-positive bacterium, is frequently isolated from diverse niches mainly soil, water, plant roots, and fermented foods. B. velezensis is ubiquitous, non-pathogenic and endospore forming. Being frequently isolated from diverse plant holobionts it is considered host adapted microorganism and recognized of high economic importance given its ability to promote plant growth under diverse biotic and abiotic stress conditions. Additionally, the species suppress many plant diseases, including bacterial, oomycete, and fungal diseases. It is also able after plant host root colonization to induce unique physiological situation of host plant called primed state. Primed host plants are able to respond more rapidly and/or effectively to biotic or abiotic stress. Moreover, B. velezenis have the ability to resist diverse environmental stresses and help host plants to cope with, including metal and xenobiotic stresses. Within species B. velezensis strains have unique abilities allowing them to adopt different life styles. Strain level abilities knowledge is warranted and could be inferred using the ever-expanding new genomes list available in genomes databases. Pangenome analysis and subsequent identification of core, accessory and unique genomes is actually of paramount importance to decipher species full metabolic capacities and fitness across diverse environmental conditions shaping its life style. Despite the crucial importance of the pan genome, its assessment among large number of strains remains sparse and systematic studies still needed. Extensive knowledge of the pan genome is needed to translate genome sequencing efforts into developing more efficient biocontrol agents and bio-fertilizers. In this study, a genome survey of B. velezensis allowed us to (a) highlight B. velezensis species boundaries and show that Bacillus suffers taxonomic imprecision that blurs the debate over species pangenome; (b) identify drivers of their successful acquisition of specific life styles and colonization of new niches; (c) describe strategies they use to promote plant growth and development; (d) reveal the unlocked strain specific orphan secondary metabolite gene clusters (biosynthetic clusters with corresponding metabolites unknown) that product identification is still awaiting to amend our knowledge of their putative role in suppression of pathogens and plant growth promotion, and (e) to describe a dynamic pangenome with a secondary metabolite rich accessory genome. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control in Forests Protection)

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34 pages, 1667 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

The Threat of Pests and Pathogens and the Potential for Biological Control in Forest Ecosystems

by Amel Balla, Allaoua Silini, Hafsa Cherif-Silini, Ali Chenari Bouket, Warren Keith Moser, Justyna Anna Nowakowska, Tomasz Oszako, Farida Benia and Lassaad Belbahri

Forests 2021, 12(11), 1579; https://doi.org/10.3390/f12111579 - 17 Nov 2021

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 8640

Abstract

Forests are an essential component of the natural environment, as they support biodiversity, sequester carbon, and play a crucial role in biogeochemical cycles—in addition to producing organic matter that is necessary for the function of terrestrial organisms. Forests today are subject to threats ranging from natural occurrences, such as lightning-ignited fires, storms, and some forms of pollution, to those caused by human beings, such as land-use conversion (deforestation or intensive agriculture). In recent years, threats from pests and pathogens, particularly non-native species, have intensified in forests. The damage, decline, and mortality caused by insects, fungi, pathogens, and combinations of pests can lead to sizable ecological, economic, and social losses. To combat forest pests and pathogens, biocontrol may be an effective alternative to chemical pesticides and fertilizers. This review of forest pests and potential adversaries in the natural world highlights microbial inoculants, as well as research efforts to further develop biological control agents against forest pests and pathogens. Recent studies have shown promising results for the application of microbial inoculants as preventive measures. Other studies suggest that these species have potential as fertilizers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological Control in Forests Protection)

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