Heterobasidion annosum. Biology, Ecology, Impact and Control

This book is a valuable reference guide to the root disease caused by Heterobasidion annosum, and is the first attempt to bring together all aspects of knowledge on what is arguably the most important disease of forest trees in the northern temperate regions of the world. This was a daunting task considering that the disease has been known for hundreds of years and more than 2200 papers have been published about it. The book is divided into four major parts: biology and infection biology; host resistance and response to infection; disease control; and impact, control and management of the disease in Europe and North America. Each part contains several chapters. Something will be found in these chapters for almost everyone interested in annosum root rot and similar diseases, including forest managers, students, teachers and researchers. An additional chapter concerns historical aspects of the disease. Included are translations of some of the earliest reports of research and observations on the disease, and short biographies of four scientists who were not only involved in early studies on annosum root rot, but who were among the founders of the field of forest pathology. This chapter should be of interest to history buffs as well as those involved in the teaching of history of plant pathology. For the fungal taxonomist, there is a chapter on the taxonomy of the genus Heterobasidion. Based on intersterility groupings, host specificity and morphology, two new species are erected: H. parviporum for the S intersterility group, which occurs primarily on spruce; and H. abietinum for the F group, which occurs primarily on fir. H. annosum is retained for the P group which occurs primarily on pine. While I do not disagree with the erection of the new species, this book is probably not the most appropriate vehicle for publication. The book also has three appendices that contain much useful information. The first of these consists of an annotated bibliography of the ‘early’ (pre-World War II) papers on the disease. It would have been helpful if all the citations in the general bibliography (more than 2000 titles) had been so annotated. A second appendix gives a list of all the fungi that have been tested against, or have been observed to be antagonistic to, H. annosum. The third lists chemicals that have been used to control the fungus, along with references to each. The individual chapters contain few illustrations other than occasional line drawings and diagrams. Most of the photographs are contained in a small section placed in the chapter on historical aspects of the disease. In general these photographs are of high quality with good colour rendition, but many are too small to show clearly needed detail. There is also the inconvenience of having to return to this section each time an illustration is referenced in one of the chapters. However, there is little else to criticize in this well-written book. The continuity in style among the chapters, which were written by authors from several different countries, is a tribute to good editing. There are few typographical errors and the overall presentation of the book is pleasing. Although the price of US$140 appears high, it is not too much out of line with the cost of similar books.