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Abstract
The objective of this study is to assess parts of the epidemiology of the pathogenic fungus Chondrostereum purpureum used as a biocontrol agent to control vegetative reproduction of deciduous tree species. The study is composed of three parts, namely (1) the evaluation of the sporulation of the silverleaf fungus in an indoor experiment; (2) the assessment of spore dispersal of the pathogen using simulation; and (3) the evaluation of the interaction host-pathogen using selected Canadian isolates as well as selected tree species. Results indicate that sporulation reaches a maximum value when air temperature is close to 20°C and when relative humidity is 100%. The simulation model predicts that 99% of the time, there should be a maximal spore concentration in the air of one spore per cubic metre at 2.5 km downwind from a biocontrol site. Isolates tested are significantly different regarding their virulence whereas tree susceptibility varies greatly from one species to the other.