Program for chestnut blight biocontrol based on hypovirulence

Chestnut Blight is an introduced disease in Portugal associated with virulent strains of the Asian fungus Cryphonectria parasitica (Murril) Barr. The disease causes great economic losses and presents a significant risk to the chestnut ecosystem. Eradication efforts and cultural sanitary measures didn’t control the disease and actually more than 10% of chestnut trees are blighted. A new method based on hypovirulence was achieved and a program for biological control of Chestnut Blight was implemented for field extended application. The program is a transfer initiative that encourages the application of Hypovirus CHV-1 strains as a component of the integrated management of the disease. Hypovirus CHV-1 strains were timely approved by national authorities (Ministry of Agriculture-DGAV) and stakeholders and schedules of field applications implemented. General achievements and results of the program will be presented and evaluated.

VIVO