Phytophthora ramorum and phytophthora kernoviae

 

Foresty Commission programme manager:	Richard Howe
Research contact and location:	Hugh Evans Tree Health Division, Forest Research.

A disease known as 'Sudden Oak Death' has caused serious mortality in oaks and other species in North America. The pathogen responsible was recently identified as a European fungus Phytophthora ramorum responsible for twig and foliage infection in rhododendrons and other shrubs. In 2003 it was also found on trees in the UK at a few locations in southern England. In the course of investigating sites in Cornwall, a similar disease, caused by another Phytophthora species (provisionally named P. kernoviae) was also discovered. Investigating these outbreaks to learn as much as possible about the potential of the 2 fungi to cause widespread disease is the subject of a major research effort by DEFRA, the devolved administrations and the Forestry Commission. In this programme, Forestry Commission scientists work closely with those at the Central Science Laboratory. This programme also includes some work on the evaluation of changes in the pathogen status of Phytophthora species due to changes in their genetic constitution - principally by hybridisation. Because of the potentially severe consequences of these diseases occurring unnoticed in new locations, monitoring and survey are crucial parts of the research effort. A separate programme, Site Monitoring for Phytophthora ramorum and P. kernoviae, has been created to secure dedicated resources from the Technical Support Unit of Forest Research. Specific projects and outputs are under constant review but the research will deliver the basis for risk assessment and possible control measures by plant health authorities in the UK and other Member States of the EU.

Progress reports

Annual summary of research 2005/2006
Annual summary of research 2004/2005
Annual summary of research 2003/2004

No reports available at this time