Some Experiments With Borates and With Urea to Control Stump Infection by Heterobasidion annosum in Britain : Root and Butt Rots

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

1994

S. 662-667

12 Lit. Ang.

Bandaufführung

73838

Proceedings of the Eight International Conference on Root and Butt Rots : Root and Butt Rots ; Band II, S. 662-667

Trials of urea and borates were carried out, in Scotland and in Wales, to assess their relative effectiveness in preventing infection of Sitka spruce stumps by Heterobasidion annosum. In most cases urea was unable to prevent infection whilst borate, as 10% and as 5% Polybor (disodium octaborate tetrahydrate) gave total protection when tested against artificial inoculation. In another trial, concentrations of the borate lower than 4% failed to provide effective control. These results demonstrate that a borate solution of 5% Polybor may be an efficacious alternative to urea for the control of stump infection. Further studies with borate are planned and these are discussed in relation to problems associated with the testing of stump protection materials in the absence of predictable natural infection, which is generally the case in Britain.