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Disease development and severity of Scleroderris canker of Todo-fir in Hokkaido, Japan, vary according to forest type. The occurrence and severity of Todo-fir canker caused by Scleroderris lagerbergii, were compared in plantations with and without a deciduous canopy. Planted Todo-fir under cover remained mostly healthy, whereas in the open they were severely damaged. This suggests a protective effect by the upper deciduous species against the development of canker. The authors suggest that the cover of deciduous species affects such microclimatic conditions as minimum temperatures and snow deposit in early winter creating more favorable conditions for Todo-fir planted under cover than in the open.

This is an introductory paper on the outbreak of fungal disease Scieroderris canker of Todo-fir in Hokkaido, northern Japan. Scicroderris canker, caused by Scieroderris lagerbergii Grem., broke out in 1970 in several localities of the northern Japan. A remarkable characteristic of this disease is that it damages no shoot above the surface of deep snow cover. It was found that the site selection and methods for reforestation are the most important factors that can facilitate escape from Scieroderris canker.