Preservation of sweet chestnut genetic resources (Castanea sativa Mill.) against attack by chestnut gall wasp (Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu, 1951)

Abstract

European sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa Mill.) is one of the most important wood species due to its environmental and economic role in many agro-forestry systems. Chestnut gall wasp (Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu, 1951) is currently the most dangerous pest of sweet chestnut, including in Slovenia. Attack on vegetative buds (in which the eggs are deposited and on which galls are subsequently formed) disturbs the growth of shoots and reduces the yield. In the event of a strong attack, the tree can weaken and decay, which is already noticeable on the ground in Slovenia, especially in terms of the monitored genetic resources of the chestnut tree. Following Japanese experience, European countries are increasingly choosing biological control of chestnut gall wasp with the torymid wasp (Torymus sinensis Kamijo, 1982). Micropropagation is a way of ensuring effective preservation and reproduction while optimizing all phases of work. In the micropropagation of Slovenian sweet chestnut genetic resources, problems arise in the rooting phase.

Keywords

• sweet chestnut
• Castanea sativa
• chestnut gall wasp
• Dryocosmus kuriphilus
• torymid
• Torymus sinensis