Leading pine wilt disease experts from 19 research institutes and universities in China have reached the Xiangshan Consensus on the future development of the field in the next five to 10 years, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration announced on Wednesday.

Pine wilt disease is one of the most destructive threats to global forest ecosystems due to its rapid spread and high mortality rate among affected trees. Asia has been the hardest-hit region, according to the administration.

First detected in China in 1982, the disease has caused significant damage to the country's forest ecosystems. The pine wilt nematode, which causes the disease, has a strong ability to adapt to environmental changes, allowing it to spread regardless of temperature. This poses a long-term invasion risk to China's 60 million hectares of pine forests, the administration said.

The Xiangshan Consensus notes that advancements in science and technology have laid a foundation for breakthroughs in the field, including improved diagnostic and detection tools, monitoring and early warning systems, and the development of environmentally friendly treatments.

According to the consensus, Chinese scientists will strengthen basic research on pine wilt disease and enhance technical support for controlling its spread. This includes establishing defense systems, reducing infections and protecting healthy pine forests.

The consensus also states that pine wilt nematodes, originally an invasive species in China, are now transitioning to native species. Scientists will investigate genetic risk factors that contribute to the spread of the disease, including potential gene mutations.

Research will also focus on identifying potential host plants and vector insects of the nematode in China, developing immune seedlings and applying scientific approaches in microbiology, forest ecosystem ecology and landscape ecology to safeguard pine forests.

Experts said China has made progress in several areas, including monitoring and early warning systems and the use of natural predators to control the disease.