Controlling root and butt rot diseases in alpine European forests

Alpine European forests comprising of conifers and broadleaf trees at lower altitudes are facing major problems of poor regeneration and occurrence of numerous fungal diseases. Fungal organisms like Armillaria mellea and Heterobasidion annosum are taking their toll on a large number of conifers. These two pathogens are responsible for most of the root and butt rot diseases in natural forest stands. Diagnosis of disease can be done by macro/micromorphology of basidiomata. The wood-inhabiting fungi can also be identifi ed by taxon-specifi c primers using PCR. This chapter deals with various biological and cultural control strategies and the promotion of disease-tolerant plants, which can reduce the occurrence of diseases. Integrated disease management plans are suggested for different species as found suitable in the Aosta Valley of the western Italian Alps.