The National Institute of Forest Science (NIFoS) of the Korea Forest Service (KFS), in collaboration with a research team led by Professor Ahn Young-sang of Chonnam National University, has identified, for the first time in Korea, the pathogen responsible for seedling mortality in Picea jezoensis, an alpine tree species that is rapidly declining due to climate change.

Picea jezoensis is the highest-elevation tree species among the seven endangered alpine conifer species designated by the KFS. Its range is restricted to high-mountain areas above 1,500 meters, including Gyebangsan, Jirisan, and Deogyusan Mountains. As its decline accelerates due to climate change, its natural habitats in Korea are projected to disappear by around 2050.

While investigating the low survival rate of Picea jezoensis seedlings during nursery production for restoration, researchers at NIFoS identified a fungal pathogen, Alternaria alternata.

Pathogenicity tests conducted by inoculating the fungus into healthy seedlings confirmed clear symptoms of needle blight, with severe cases resulting in seedling mortality within one month.

This study represents the first identification in Korea of a needle blight pathogen responsible for Picea jezoensis seedling mortality and provides critical insight for establishing a stable nursery production system. The findings were recognized for their significance and published in the February 2026 issue of the international journal Plant Disease, attracting attention from forest restoration experts both domestically and internationally.

Dr. Lim Hyo-in of the Forest Bioinformation Division at NIFoS said, "This study provides a practical foundation for restoring Picea jezoensis forests by enabling the development of reliable propagation techniques. We will continue to develop tailored control methods for the identified pathogen and improve nursery production systems."