B.S.F. or B.Sc.F. Bachelor of Science in Forestry Bachelor of Science in Forestry: Forest Pathology and Disease Management 3

Question 1

Annosus root disease, caused by Heterobasidion irregulare in eastern North America, is best managed in pine stands by applying which material to fresh stumps after thinning?

Accepted Answer

Borax or urea

Answer

Applying borax or urea to freshly cut pine stumps prevents infection by Heterobasidion spores that land on the cut surface and spread root-to-root.

Question 2

Which of the following forest pathogens is classified as an oomycete rather than a true fungus?

Accepted Answer

Phytophthora cinnamomi

Answer

Phytophthora species are oomycetes (water molds) in the kingdom Stramenopila, evolutionarily distinct from true fungi despite similar morphology.

Question 3

What is 'littleleaf disease' of shortleaf pine, and what organisms are involved?

Accepted Answer

A disease complex involving Phytophthora cinnamomi and poor soil drainage causing fine root death

Answer

Littleleaf disease is a complex involving Phytophthora cinnamomi infecting fine roots, compounded by poorly drained, compacted soils that reduce root function.

Question 4

In the context of biological control of forest pathogens, Peniophora gigantea (Phlebiopsis gigantea) is used to control which pathogen?

Accepted Answer

Heterobasidion annosum on pine stumps

Answer

Phlebiopsis gigantea is a commercially available biological control agent applied to pine stumps to competitively exclude Heterobasidion annosum before it can colonize.

Question 5

Which ecological process explains why mature trees in old-growth forests often have greater tolerance to Armillaria root disease than plantation trees?

Accepted Answer

Diverse mycorrhizal communities and complex soil food webs suppress pathogen activity

Answer

High diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi and complex soil food webs in old-growth forests suppress Armillaria by competing for resources and stimulating microbial antagonists.

B.S.F. or B.Sc.F. Bachelor of Science in Forestry Practice Test

B.S.F. or B.Sc.F. Bachelor of Science in Forestry Practice Test

B.S.F. or B.Sc.F. Bachelor of Science in Forestry Bachelor of Science in Forestry: Forest Pathology and Disease Management 3