Risk assessment of inundative biological control with Chondrostereum purpureum in New Zealand

The host range and geographic distribution of the basidiomycete fungus Chondrostereum purpureum (Pers.) Pouzar in New Zealand were determined through analysis of herbarium records from Landcare Research and the New Zealand Forest Research Institute Limited, as well as published reports. The fungus has been recorded in every geographic region of the North Island, with the exception of Northland and Rangitikei, and from the northern portion of the South Island, as well as Southland, Otago Lakes, south Canterbury, and mid Canterbury, but it is known to be present throughout New Zealand. It has been recorded on 23 angiosperm families and 1 gymnosperm family in New Zealand. Based on the geographic distribution and epidemiological studies of the pathogen that have been conducted elsewhere, it is concluded that the utilisation of C. purpureum as an inundative biological control agent would not significantly alter the risk of infection by C. purpureum within New Zealand.