Pathological Basis for Species site matching; the case for indigenous tree species in restoration and commercial forestry in Kenya

KEFRI's Senior Deputy Director for Research and Development, Dr. Jane Njuguna, has made a presentation entitled: Pathological Basis for Species site matching; the case for indigenous tree species in restoration and commercial forestry in Kenya.

Dr. Njuguna has stated that according to recent Government report, Kenya has surpassed the 10% tree cover. However Dr. Njuguna caution community of groups involved in tree planting to adopt the guidelines for species site matching as the country now take initiative to achieve 30 percent tree and forest cover by 2050.

All stakeholders must adopt guidelines on tree site matching while they rehabilitate degraded landscapes or establish commercial forest plantations to avoid transmission of tree pathogens and diseases.

“Human, tree state and environmental site factors - like water temperature and lighting are critical for disease development as they enhance immunity or predisposition,” said Dr Njuguna.

The presenter reveals that tree diseases and pathogens like Canker and die back have continued to resurge in East Africa highlands, attacking Pines, Cypress and Grevillea robusta.

Data from study conducted between 1990 to 2009 has shown increased months of dryness also increased resinous stem canker and severe die back in Grevillea robusta, cypress and Melia volkensii.

Dothistoma blight, Botryosphaeria species have affected trees countrywide. Currently, Teratosphaeria gauchensis - a stem canker, is now a killer disease threatening Eucalyptus clones in Kenya.

The disease was first noted in clones in Muranga County and has caused severe damage in Ethiopia and South Africa.

Dr. Njuguna has concluded that pathology play a key in managing diseases affecting both human and plants, however despite the diseases threatening exotic species, lets embrace indigenous trees such as Senna siamea, Melia volkensii that seem more tolerant to tree die back disease.