Oak Blight - sudden oak death
Phytophthora ramorum is a threat to our oak trees, woodland and heathland
What is it and where is it found?
Phytophthora ramorum is a serious fungal pathogen causing damage to trees and a range of ornamental and native
plants in California and Oregon, USA and in many countries in Europe including Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany,
the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Republic of Ireland, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and UK including the Channel Islands.
Additionally there has been one isolated finding from a nursery in Canada. In both the USA and Europe, the pathogen
is considered to have been introduced separately and relatively recently, possibly from Asia. North American and
European isolates represent two distinct populations that appear to have the same potential host range but have
been found to differ in their aggressiveness to tree hosts. In experiments, European isolates are generally more
aggressive.
For the latest full story go to www.defra.gov.uk/planth/ph.htm
...........our nursery has been checked and cleared by defra...........
If you suspect the presence of the disease on trees you should contact the Forestry Commission Plant Health Service, Edinburgh. Tel. 0131 314 6414 Fax: 0131 314 6148
