Annosus root and butt rots

The root and butt rots caused by the Heterobasidion annosum species complex, hereafter referred as H. annosum sensu lato, are among the most destructive diseases of conifers. In this chapter, the host range, distribution, detection, infection biology, patterns and rate of spread, as well as the potential dispersal range of spores and temporal patterns of primary infection, of the pathogen are discussed. The factors affecting disease incidence in a stand, the estimation and prediction of disease incidence using models, and the different management strategies and tactics are described.