Studies on Stereum sanguinolentum in Kenya pine plantations

Abstract

A potentially dangerous decay problem caused by Stereum sanguinolentum (Alb. & Schw. ex Fr.) Fr. was studied over a 2-year period in highland pine plantations in Kenya. Microscopic and cultural comparison between the Kenyan fungus and representative material from the Northern Hemisphere revealed no major differences. S. sanguinolentum was found in pine plantations throughout most of Kenya's highland forest estate but not in Tanzania or Uganda. Of 10 exotic pine species tested, all proved to be suitable substrates for the development of the fungus, though sporophore production was most rapid and abundant on the two major plantation species, Pinus patula Schiede & Deppe and Pinus radiata D. Don. Wounds associated with big-game damage and pruning operations were the usual infection courts. Pruning wound infection rates were as high as 50% during wet weather. Control of infection through pruning wounds could be effected by restricting pruning operations in pine plantations to the dry season. Decay rates and volume losses could not be predicted from data obtained in this study.