Fusarium circinatum, the causal agent of pine pitch canker (PPC), is currently one of the most important threats of Pinus spp. globally. This pathogen is known in many pine-growing regions, including natural and planted forests, and can affect all life stages of trees, from emerging seedlings to mature trees. Despite the importance of PPC, the global distribution of F. circinatum is poorly documented, and this problem is also true of the hosts within countries that are affected. The aim of this study was to review the global distribution of F. circinatum, with a particular focus on Europe. We considered (1) the current and historical pathogen records, both positive and negative, based on confirmed reports from Europe and globally; (2) the genetic diversity and population structure of the pathogen; (3) the current distribution of PPC in Europe, comparing published models of predicted disease distribution; and (4) host susceptibility by reviewing literature and generating a comprehensive list of known hosts for the fungus. These data were collated from 41 countries and used to compile a specially constructed geo-database. A review of 6297 observation records showed that F. circinatum and the symptoms it causes on conifers occurred in 14 countries, including four in Europe, and is absent in 28 countries. Field observations and experimental data from 138 host species revealed 106 susceptible host species including 85 Pinus species, 6 non-pine tree species and 15 grass and herb species. Our data confirm that susceptibility to F. circinatum varies between different host species, tree ages and environmental characteristics. Knowledge on the geographic distribution, host range and the relative susceptibility of different hosts is essential for disease management, mitigation and containment strategies. The findings reported in this review will support countries that are currently free of F. circinatum in implementing effective procedures and restrictions and prevent further spread of the pathogen.

The plantation and natural forests of South America have been highly impacted by native and exotic pests in recent decades. The interaction of emerging invasive pests, climate change, and timber markets will define the region’s forests, with significant but uncertain ecological changes and economic losses expected. The Southern Cone Forest Health Group (SCFHG), a joint ad hoc initiative run by forest health professionals from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay, aims to strengthen relationships between the forestry industry, stakeholders, academia, and government agencies across the region. Here, we highlight regional strengths, weaknesses, threats, and opportunities to address forest health issues in the region. A regional approach with a strong communication network is relevant for future actions. In the current global scenario of invasive species and climate change, the implementation of practices that incorporate the resilience of forest ecosystems and sustainable management needs to be prioritized in forest policy across the region. Understanding that pests and pathogens do not recognize borders, we call on governments and organizations to support joint actions with agreements and adequate resources to enhance our regional capabilities.

Numerous studies have been carried out to quantify the response to competing vegetation control (CVC) in P. radiata plantations. Most of these publications have reported on the early response in tree growth; however, a knowledge gap exists regarding the growth responses throughout the rotation. In this study, we analyzed the long-term response of P. radiata plantations across a gradient of seven sites in central Chile. Treatments included a no-action control, two spot (circular) areas of competing vegetation control using herbicides around individual P. radiata seedlings (spot herbicide application of 0.75 and 1.5 m), and total competing vegetation control using herbicides. Additionally, three different timings for control regimes were included (0, 1, and 2 years after planting). Competing vegetation biomass abundance during the first growing season ranged from 0.6 to 5.7 Mg ha⁻¹ across all sites. The total competing vegetation control treatment maintained for 2 years (TotalY₀₁₂) showed the largest gain in stem volume per hectare (VOL) in most of the sites. The sites included in this study showed contrasting values in productivity, having volume yields for the TotalY₀₁₂ treatment ranging from 238 m³ ha⁻¹ at the site with the lowest annual rainfall (age 12 years) to 471 m³ ha⁻¹ at the southern site (age 14 years). Across all sites, maximum gain in VOL ranged between 21 and 175 m³ ha⁻¹ at age 11 to 14 years and was linearly correlated to the amount of competing biomass controlled during the first year after planting. At the southern, wetter site, plots with only pre-planting spot herbicide application achieved 87% of VOL of plots with TotalY₀₁₂. Our results suggest that CVC improved the availability of resources at the site for P. radiata seedlings, increasing volume production by reducing environmental constraints to tree growth differentially at each site.