Abstract
We conducted a research needs assessment (RNA) in 2010 to gather opinions of “experts” and a larger public on research priorities for Phytophthora ramorum, the pathogen that causes sudden oak death in forest trees and Ramorum blight in ornamental plants. We place these 2010 findings in context with findings of similar P. ramorum needs assessments from 2002 and 2007-2008 and with a comprehensive literature review published in 2010. P. ramorum research needs have evolved from an emphasis on basic biological information toward an emphasis on management. As with many other non-native, invasive organisms, a major challenge remains how to move P. ramorum research into more widescale, unified attempts at management. Our analysis suggests that successfully moving from basic research to on-the-ground management requires overcoming the tendency toward specialized, limited viewpoints and providing stakeholders a comprehensive, integrated picture of the necessity and possibility of managing this plant disease.
Highlights
Research needs assessments (RNAs) are important tools that allow scientists, research organizations, and policy makers to assess the state of knowledge and identify the most fruitful areas for future research
We report the results of one such RNA, conducted for research on the non-native, invasive plant pathogen Phytophthora ramorum,(cause of sudden oak death and other diseases),and we discuss what the evolution of P. ramorum RNA results over a period of 10 years, supplemented by a recent review of research literature (Kliejunas, 2010), has to show about maturing knowledge in the understanding of this invasive pathogen
During the existence of this research program, funders and facilitators have conducted periodic RNAs to ensure that funding flows to solve the most pressing needs for new knowledge according to the mainstream of scientific opinion on the subject
Summary
Research needs assessments (RNAs) are important tools that allow scientists, research organizations, and policy makers to assess the state of knowledge and identify the most fruitful areas for future research. Periodic assessments of progress in a scientific field allow observers to reflect on how research topics accrue and how bodies of knowledge assemble around topics of contemporary importance. P. ramorum and Sudden Oak Death Research www.ccsenet.org/enrr. Over a decade has passed since P. ramorum was recognized as the cause of sudden oak death in the United States (Werres et al, 2001; Rizzo et al, 2001). The USDA-Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station (PSW) has funded a P. ramorum research program since 2000 to provide a scientific basis for response programs and to develop management techniques to prevent or mitigate the effects of the pathogen. During the existence of this research program, funders and facilitators have conducted periodic RNAs to ensure that funding flows to solve the most pressing needs for new knowledge according to the mainstream of scientific opinion on the subject. The purpose of the 2010 RNA was to assess current research needs for the pathogen in both nurseries and wildlands
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