Rate of Ocotea bullata Decline in Association with Phytophtora cinnamomi at Three Study Sites in the Southern Cape Indigenous Forests

Abstract

SYNOPSIS Dieback of Ocotea bullata (Lauraceae) associated with the fungal pathogen Phytophtora cinnamoni coincides with waterlogging, fluctuating water availability and drought stress. P. cinnamomi was recovered from areas of obvious dieback as well as from areas of healthy indigenous forest where no obvious dieback was observed. Die-back is worse in indigenous forests which are disturbed by road building or plantation forestry activities, since these activities frequently disturb natural drainage patterns, and may assist in introducing the pathogen to these areas.