Internationally Dangerous Tree Diseases and Latin America

Publisher： Society of American Foresters

ISSN： 0022-1201

Source： Journal of Forestry, Vol.62, Iss.4, 1964-04, pp. : 229-232

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Abstract

Observations on internationally dangerous tree diseases, previously made in North America, Western Europe, Southern Asia, and the South Pacific have continued in Latin America. The longevity of trees greatly magnifies the problem. Temperature, light, moisture, and soil conditions may be critical in favoring or discouraging pathogenic microorganisms. Most countries have adequate laws against the entry of dangerous pests. However, most quarantine officials report inadequate funds, personnel, and information to protect forest trees. Shifting agriculture on marginal land is particularly destructive for trees. It destroys trees and renders the land useless. The richness in numbers of different kinds of tropical trees is noteworthy. Many valuable trees are neither named nor described for desirable characteristics. Also, pathogens that attack them often need identification. The native trees with demonstrated adaptation to local conditions have many advantages. In certain places attention centers ou planting some foreign trees particularly pine, cedar, eucalyptus, poplar, and teak. Unfortunately, with the imported trees destructive pathogens sometimes have come along and have caused much damage. Comparable problems exist with forest insects. Some conspicuous needs in a program for the protection of forest trees against pathogens from abroad are as follows: (1) An inventory for each country of important trees and their diseases. (2) A list of responsible men in each country. (3) A strengthening of quarantines with a minimum of interference to commerce, travel, and the exchange of scientific materials. (4) A worldwide symposium on critical insects and diseases. This is planned for July 20 to 30, 1964, at FAO in Oxford, England. (5) Cooperative international research on, e.g., host ranges, alternate hosts, environmental influences, disseminating agents, seemingly innocuous pathogens, improved methods of eradication, and disease resistance. (6) Enlarged cooperation between investigators of forest tree diseases and those of other agricultural crops.