The Caledonian Pinewoods in the Highlands of Scotland are unique in the UK; home to some of the UK’s rarest wildlife, they are also economically important for commercial timber enterprises. However, in recent years, Dothistroma Needle Blight (DNB) has become increasingly widespread, affecting at least eighty-two species of pine worldwide, including the UK’s native Scots pines. Caused by Dothistroma septosporum, it damages the needles, which directly impacts the tree’s photosynthesis, causing a destructive effect on pine trees; causing defoliation, loss of yield and, in extreme cases, tree death.

The University of Hertfordshire aims to identify the mycoviruses present in D. septosporum isolates across the UK and assess their impact on fungal pathogenicity. The project will build upon the research undertaken to date, laying the foundations for the identification of an ecologically neutral control agent to protect the UK’s native forests and the associated forestry industry.