Forest Pathogens–Research Supporting Forest Health

Dear Colleagues,

Forests occupy nearly one third of global land area. They maintain biodiversity, store carbon and produce various resources, and are thus essential for life on Earth. The protection of tree health is urgent for sustaining forest ecosystems. In addition to damage caused by abiotic factors, trees suffer from the actions of living organisms, such as insects, nematodes and microbes. Disease-causing pathogenic microorganisms include predominantly fungi, but also bacteria, viruses and water molds. The host range, the age of affected trees and the degree of damage can vary, depending on the disease and its causative agent. Furthermore, tree seedling nurseries are particularly vulnerable to multiple forest pathogens.

In general, the development of forest disease involves the complex interaction between an infectious agent, a susceptible host and predisposing environmental conditions. Accordingly, the occurrence of forest disease epidemics depends on the characteristics of climate and phytogeographical regions. Nowadays, accelerating climate change affects the prevalence of species by changing the environmental factors. Unfortunately, invasive pathogen species, which represent one of the biggest threats for forest health worldwide, often benefit from the modified conditions.

Since the methods available for disease management in forests are limited, the prevention of pathogen introduction and establishment is the most effective way to avoid disease induction and subsequent damage. Research in pathogen biology and epidemiology can facilitate the development of methods and techniques for pathogen detection and prevention. Furthermore, knowledge of pathogen epidemiology can be applied to silvicultural practices and plant breeding to limit pathogens’ opportunities to induce diseases and to enhance forest resistance against harmful organisms.

This Special Issue of Pathogens, “Forest Pathogens–Research Supporting Forest Health”, is devoted to the spectrum of research on forest pathogens and diseases, and methods of detection, prevention and management.

Dr. Anne Uimari
Dr. Anna Poimala
Dr. Eeva Terhonen
Guest Editors

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• forest pathogen
• forest disease
• climate change
• disease resistance
• invasive forest pathogens
• disease prevention