Biological methods of preventing and controlling forest tree diseases.
Scott Enebak, Professor and Director
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| Forestry & Wildlife Bldg. 602 Duncan Drive Auburn, AL 36849-5418 (334) 844-1007 (334) 844-1084 FAX |
Biological alternatives for controlling and preventing disease in trees is the focus of this research at Auburn University. Some of the objectives is to use specific bacterial strains recovered from the rhizosphere of pine seedlings which can be applied directly onto the seed prior to sowing, mixed into the potting media or to seedling roots at the time of planting. These bacterial organisms, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) quickly colonize the pine host and out compete the pathogens by eliminating their food source. Some of the PGPR produce anti-bodies which become natural defenses against pathogenic fungi common in nursery and forest soils. Some of the benefits of using these bacteria is faster germination, larger seedlings and an induction of internal resistance mechanisms of pine seedlings to "resist" infection after they have been put into the field. 