Effects of Fusarium Diseases on Forest Nursery and Its Controlling Mechanisms

Abstract

Fusarium spp. cause severe harm to forest plants. These fungi can induce latent infections that lead to planted seedlings rooting, as well as pre- and post-emergence damping. However, a phylogenetic study suggests that the most virulent strains of Fusarium oxysporum Schlechtend, which has been identified as the primary cause of root and root rot in nurseries, are more closely aligned with the recently identified Fusarium genus, Skovgaard, O’Donnell, and Nirenberg. Before planting, soil fumigation was the primary method of treating Fusarium illnesses in nurseries with bare roots. Alternative therapies are being investigated as rules impede the supply of the most effective fumigants. This entails improving sanitation, preserving a healthy microbial population that inhibits pathogens infecting trees through their roots, and refraining against actions that increase the risk of disease in trees, such as overfertilization and inadequate soil drainage. Although Fusarium circinatum, Nirenberg, and O’Donnell can be problematic in nurseries, they can harm ancient trees in native forests, plantations, seed farms, and landscape plantings. It is not advisable to transfer seeds or seedlings from contaminated to uninfected areas because they can spread the virus. To stop F. circinatum from spreading to nations where it has not yet been discovered, quarantine measures must be upheld. F. circinatum infections are linked to harm from weather-related events, insect activity, pruning, and seed harvesting, among other forest management practices. Pruning during the cold, dry season, when conditions are less conducive to infection, can help minimize the risk of illness in managed plantations and control insects that have the potential to be vectors and pests. Ecologically friendly biological strategies, such as using endophytic fungi and bacteria that are antagonistic to F. circinatum, plant essential oils, chitosan, or phosphite, have also been researched as ways to lessen the impact. Additionally, to reduce the number of contaminated seeds introduced into nurseries in disease-free areas, heat treatment is an easy and affordable way to eradicate the pathogen from contaminated seeds. Therefore, to address the problems of Fusarium spp,effects on nurseries, natural forests, and plantations using integrated approaches is required for sustainable managements of the forests.