Population Genomics of Leptographium wageneri

This project aims to characterize the population structure and diversity of Leptographium wageneri in western North America. This fungus is the causal organism of black stain root disease of conifers. Included in this study were two host-specific varieties of the pathogen from Douglas-fir and pinyon pine hosts. Samples were collected in Douglas-fir plantations in western Oregon and pinyon pine stands in southern California. Insights into pathogen population structure and epidemiology will inform future studies and management practices that aim to mitigate the impacts of the disease.