Genetics and ecology of the Entoleuca mammata-Populus pathosystem: Implications for aspen improvement and management

Quaking aspen is damaged and killed by many pathogens but throughout most of its range Entoleuca mammata, the cause of Hypoxylon canker is the most serious. Hypoxylon canker has been the subject of study for over 85 years, yet gaps in our understanding of this disease remain and practical control measures for existing stands are lacking. Numerous interacting host and pathogen factors have complicated investigations and have resulted in conflicting results among researchers. This synthesis of the literature examines our knowledge of the genetics of the host and pathogen and the biology of the disease. Regenerating dense stands and selecting superior, disease resistant clones with pre-infection resistance mechanisms based on long-term field trials are strategies most likely to be effective in minimizing losses caused by this disease.