Biological control of Swiss needle cast using endophyte-enhanced trees

Funding period: 2024-2028
Lead: Joey B. Tanney
Total GRDI funding: $151,209

The project objective is to evaluate endophytic fungi as biological control agents against Swiss needle cast (SNC; Nothophaeocryptopus gaeumannii), a climate-sensitive foliar disease threatening Douglas-fir productivity in British Columbia. Building on the previous work, the study will: develop a reliable endophyte inoculation protocol; verify colonization using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and microscopy; and assess the impact of endophytes on SNC severity in greenhouse and field trials. By reducing SNC damage, this work supports the continued use of Douglas-fir in reforestation and mitigates economic losses from decreased timber yields. Anticipated benefits include cost-effective disease management, reduced reliance on less valuable non-host species, and enhanced resilience of coastal forests. Successful implementation could lead to industry-scale deployment of endophyte-based biocontrol, benefiting forest-dependent communities, the provincial economy, and long-term ecosystem health.