Tree planting campaigns aim to accomplish many environmental goals, from regulating water cycles and halting soil erosion to restoring wildlife habitat. One common goal is to increase forest biodiversity by introducing new species, and some campaigns even have socioeconomic goals like alleviating poverty. But how effective are these efforts at achieving these goals? Mongabay asked scientists to conduct a non-exhaustive review of the scientific literature to find out.
European elm scale, Eriococcidae, is an insect pest only on elms (Ulmus spp). This plant-parasitic insect feeds on leaves and bark of elms by secreting copious honeydew that attracts ants, makes a sticky mess and promotes the growth of blackish sooty mold. It can reduce a tree’s health and vigor over several years. Biological control, especially with introduced parasites, and proper tree management can help prevent damage from this insect. Spraying infested trees with horticultural oil may also provide some control.
The actinobacteria Pseudonocardia eucalypti, isolated from a native Australian eucalyptus, Eucalyptus microcarpa, is an effective fungicide against a wide range of plant pathogens. We used a variety of culture morphological, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic methods to characterize this strain, designated EUM 374 T ISP (International Streptomyces Project). We found that P. eucalypti can protect against the fungal diseases Botrytis cinerea and Erwinia caryophyllata by inhibiting their cell-wall biosynthesis.