Seedborne fungi in Norway spruce: testing methods and pathogen control by seed dressing

摘要

SummaryItalian seed lots of Norway spruce (Picea abies) were analysed by agar plate tests and seedling symptom test.Fusariumspp.,Phomaspp. andSirococcus conigenuswere present on seeds, together with some saprophytes, but onlyS. conigenusandFusariumspp. caused mortality in the seedling symptom test. Pathogenicity tests with 19 isolates belonging to nineFusariumspecies showed that only some were pathogenic.Fusarium dlamini, reported for the first time in Italy, caused only some pre‐emergence mortality. Pathogenicity tests withS. conigenusindicated that the isolate was pathogenic and that temperature can greatly affect the results. Seed dressing with prochloraz was suitable for controlling the seedborne pathogens. Agar plate tests are effective and practicable methods for the detection of spruce seed mycoflor