Categories: Uncategorized

Scientists unlock Alpine trees’ molecular defenceon August 17, 2020 at 11:04 am

Spruce trees and mountain (Image: Dr Marry Gillham Archive/Flickr)Spruce trees and mountain (Image: Dr Marry Gillham Archive/Flickr)

Image copyright
Dr.Mary Gillham Archive

Researchers have found a way to tackle a disease that threatens thousands of hectares of Alpine forests each year.

Needle bladder rust causes Norway spruce needles to yellow and fall out, causing a significant reduction in growth.

Scientists in Austria have unlocked a natural defence mechanism that the species can use to fend off the potentially fatal pathogen.

The findings have been published in the BMC Genomics journal.

Disease is one of the major threats facing trees around the globe, especially in a warming world where many organisms are finding themselves living in an environment in which they are under increasing levels of stress.

It is widely predicted that invasive pathogens, and the insects that can spread them, are expected to thrive in a world experiencing climate change.

In evolutionary terms, harmful pathogens developed alongside plants’ attempts to protect themselves, creating a multi-millennia cold war between biological kingdoms.

It is a natural defence mechanism that a team of scientists utilised to create a system to protect the Norway spruce from needle bladder rust.

“Our research seeks to curb this disease unravelling the molecular defence mechanism of Norway spruce against needle bladder rust infection,” explained co-author Carlos Trujillo Moya, a researcher from the Austrian Research Centre for Forests.

Dr Trujillo Moya and colleagues have continued to monitor Norway spruce trees in the mountains of Austria, allowing the team to select trees that seem to display a resistance to the disease.

From these trees, the team were able to generate clones and then study the genes, as well as studying the production of defence chemical compounds.

Image copyright
Metsakuusi/Flick

Dr Trujillo Moya told BBC News that trees that displayed a resistance to the needle bladder rust defended themselves via a “hypersensitive response”.

“This defence mechanism consists in the production of a complex artillery of proteins and chemical compounds that isolate the fungus in the attacked leaves,” he explained.

“The infected part of the leaf dies in a controlled way and thus prevents the fungus from spreading throughout the rest of the tree.

“This response occurs two to three weeks after the infection and lasts for at least one month.”

The team said the findings represented “enormous progress” in the way Norway spruce trees are selected for their resistance to the needle baller rust pathogen (Chrysomyxa rhododendron).

“Our finding allows to better identify resistant clones and promote the establishment of replanting programmes by using selected trees, based on most effective hypersensitive defence reponse,” Dr Trujillo Moya observed.

He concluded by saying this research helps tackle one of the main issues facing the ecological and economic sustainability of Alpine ecosystems.

Read MoreFeedzy

Recent Posts

Creating a Friendly Yard for Birds, Butterflies, and Bees

Create a vibrant yard for wildlife by planting native flowers, adding water, avoiding pesticides, and…

3 days ago

How To Prepare Your Vehicle for Extreme Terrain

Get your vehicle ready to handle extreme terrain. Learn about tires, suspension, recovery gear, safety…

3 days ago

The Benefits of Investing in Fuel-Efficient Tires

Learn how fuel-efficient tires can save you money, reduce emissions, and enhance durability. Upgrade your…

3 days ago

11Oysters Candy: A Natural Breakthrough in Male Enhancement Products

In today’s competitive market of male enhancement products, consumers are bombarded with endless promises of…

3 days ago

4 Important Safety Considerations for New Farmers

New to farming? Here are the top safety considerations every new farmer should keep in…

4 days ago

SEO Best Practices for 2025: What Every Business Needs to Know

In today’s digital-first economy, visibility equals opportunity. Whether you're a small local contractor or a…

4 days ago