Manejo integrado de la marchitez de la melina (Gmelina arborea Roxb.) y de la muerte descendente de la teca (Tectona grandis L.)

A new strategy has been developed to plant melina on a large scale in the Caribbean and northern
part of the country; however, melina wilt caused by Ceratocystis spp. has discouraged producers
from investing in its plantation, since the disease affects more than 60% of production. Teak is the
country's most exported timber (more than $30 million annually), but the so-called terminal death
syndrome (cause still undetermined) can infect up to 15% of each plantation in some regions.
In the previous research phase, Ceratocystis was identified as the causal agent of melina wilt. In
teak, we continue with three associated pathogens, but the causal agent has not yet been
confirmed. The infection protocols for these pathogens were refined and a first group of 10 melina
genotypes, highly tolerant to the fungus, was determined. This proposal will be based on the
achievements made and will continue to optimize protocols and achieve the final objective, which
is to find clones highly tolerant or resistant to the pathogen.
In its first year, the project will carry out a broad collection of pathogens affecting both species in
different geographical regions. It will determine which isolates (strains) are the most pathogenic, to
continue with the broad evaluation of the entire GENFORES collection, in order to expand the
collection of tolerant clones. With this major step, TEC has already achieved a first solution to the
phytosanitary problem.
The project will advance towards the development of controlled crosses in melina, between high
yielding elite material vs. disease tolerant materials. For this purpose, work will continue, in both
species, on the stimulation of flowering of trees grafted on pots, to facilitate the work of crosses. All
work will take place under controlled conditions in the TEC's forestry research greenhouses at its
headquarters in San Carlos.
A line of work will be included that will consist of studying the effect of the application of biocontrollers (Trichoderma and others), both in the clonal reproduction phase in greenhouses and in
the establishment of plantations. This group of bio-controllers is part of the advances of the
Biotechnology Research Center of TEC in the prevention and control of Ceratocystis in other crops.
The research efforts in genetic resistance to diseases, which GENFORES has been developing for
more than 6 years, are finally bearing fruit and providing a solution to the serious problem of forest
diseases. This has implied permanence and long-term work discipline, the only way to achieve true
knowledge and expertise. The forestry sector depends on our technical support in these matters.
Costa Rica is already the leader, the reference in this matter of teak and melina at regional level.

Desarrollar un manejo integrado de la marchitez de la melina (Gmelina arborea
Roxb.) y de la muerte descendente de la teca (Tectona grandis L.)

EIFO: Productividad y calidad de plantaciones forestales
EB: Biocontroladores