Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora kernoviae: the woodland perspective

Abstract

Phytophthora ramorum and P. kernoviae were first identified in Great Britain (GB) in 2002 and 2003 respectively, although both are believed to have been present for perhaps 10–20 years. Public gardens have been badly affected by these pathogens, but British woodlands are also considered at risk as a number of tree species have been found to be susceptible to the pathogens. The principal host of both Phytophthoras in GB is Rhododendron ponticum, which is arguably our most invasive weed species. It is found extensively in GB, especially along the west coast which has ideal climatic conditions for its growth and spread. In 2004 the Forestry Commission surveyed 1479 woodlands where R. ponticum was present, and in 2008 both infected and non‐infected R. ponticum were cleared from approximately 1200 ha of woodlands in England and Wales where P. ramorum had been found. No clearance to date has taken place in Scotland. In the case of a positive finding in a garden or woodland, all woodlands with rhododendron within a 3 km radius of such a finding are to be surveyed. As both pathogens are notifiable any positives must be eradicated or contained through the serving of an official phytosanitary notice. Ministerial approval has now been given to a joint Defra and Forestry Commission initiative to undertake inter alia the removal of host plants (primarily rhododendrons) infected with these sporulating pathogens in woodlands and the wider environment in England and Wales. A similar programme will be effected in Scotland where the Forestry Commission is working with the Scottish Government’s Rural Payments and Inspections Directorate.