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Pemature mortalityhas recently been observed in both loblolly (Pinus taeda) and longleaf (P.

palustris) pines across the southeastern states.  Several causes have been suggested to the observed mortality, including a decline complex recently recognized in loblolly pine.  Several biotic and abiotic factors have been identified as contributors to the decline, including a group of root-inhabiting stain fungi in the genus Leptographium.  Various Leptographium species have been isolated from roots of symptomatic loblolly and longleaf pines.  Unfortunately, the pathogenicity of Leptographium species to loblolly and longleaf pine is largely unknown.

Pathogen  experiments are commonly prepared in order to study the relationship between potential pathogen and host. The main objectiveof this project is to characterize the relationship between various Leptographium species and southernpine species. The potential for pathogenicity will be determined based on a series of greenhouse and field experiments. Although the primary interest is the relationship between Leptographium species and longleaf pine, both loblolly and to a lesser degree slash pine (P. elliotti) experiments have been added.

George Matusick, M. S. Forestry Dr. Lori Eckhardt, Major Advisor   Committee Members Dr. Scott Enebak, Dr. Kathy Lawrence

main objective of this pject is to characterize the relationshipbetween various

Leptoraphium species and southern pine species. The potential for pathogenicity will be dmined based on a series of greenhouse and field experiments.  Although the primary interest is the relationship between Leptographium species and longleaf pine, both loblolly and to a lesser degree slash pine (P. elliotti) experiments

have been added.