- Home
- Plants Bees & Seeds
- Plant Health
- Plant Pests & Diseases
- Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora kernoviae
Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora kernoviae
Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora kernoviae are two fungus-like pathogens which affect a range of trees, shrubs and other plants.
Since the first UK findings in 2002 there has been a coordinated approach to disease control aimed at containment and eradication of these pathogens whilst evidence was gathered to make a decision on future policy. During that time the diseases have continued to spread, albeit slowly and mainly in the South West. Following a review of the historic and current situation, available scientific and economic evidence, and public consultation on options for management of the pathogens in the future, Ministers concluded that more needs to be done to contain and eradicate P. ramorum and P. kernoviae.
In April 2009 Defra launched a five year programme, managed by Fera, to contain the further spread of P. ramorum and P. kernoviae. The three main work streams of the programme are research and development, education and awareness raising, and disease control through clearance of host plants in high risk areas. This involves removal of infected sporulating hosts in woodlands and the wider environment, and proactive clearance of uninfected areas to protect high risk sites; combined with enhanced containment and eradication measures in infected gardens and nursery sites, as well as the identification and control of any new outbreaks.
The findings of Phytophthora ramorum in larch trees in south-west England in August 2009 led researchers to discover that larch was potentially a highly effective sporulator and was therefore liable to increase the rate of spread of the organism and associated diseases. This prompted a review of the justification for the Phytophthora programme and subsequent adjustment of priorities, increasing the focus on identification and containment of ramorum diseases in larch, whilst maintaining the effort to reduce levels of inoculum through removal of infected rhododendron.
A full review of the programme will take place in 2012.
Whats new
30 April 2012 - Phytophthora open meeting: A programme update meeting will be held at the University of Bristol on 15 May 2012. More information, including how to register to attend, is available via our events section.
8 January 2012 - Phytophthora research update: Key findings from research supporting the P. ramorum and P. kernoviae Disease Management Programme since April 2009 are available to download now.
5 April 2011 - Phytophthora open meeting: An open meeting for people interested in progress with the Phytophthora programme was held in Cornwall on 11 March 2011. A summary of the discussions and two presentations given during the meeting are available to download below.
9 March 2011 - Phytophthora research update: Key findings from research supporting the P. ramorum and P. kernoviae Disease Management Programme since April 2009 are available to download now.
January 2011 - Report of initial research on Phytophthora ramorum incited dieback of larch (Larix kaempferi) is available to view now.
| Useful information and further reading | |
|---|---|
| Phytophthora ramorum | Eradication and containment measures |
| Phytophthora kernoviae | Research |
| Public information leaflet: | Video clip |
| Industry Liaison Group meeting minutes: | External links: |
| Imperial College review of action against P. ramorum and P. kernoviae: |
Biosecurity Posters: |