Forestry Fee to behave on new tree illness present in Cornwall

Woodland managers, landowners, the forest business and tree nurseries are being urged to stay vigilant after the Forestry Fee (FC) and Forest Analysis (FR) recognized the tree pathogen Phytophthora pluvialis in a woodland in Cornwall.

The UK chief plant well being officer has confirmed the discovering, following routine Forestry Fee plant well being surveillance actions.

Phytophthora pluvialis, is a fungus-like pathogen recognized to have an effect on a wide range of tree species, together with western hemlock, Douglas fir, tanoak and several other pine species (specifically radiata pine).

It’s reported to trigger needle solid (the place needles flip brown and fall off), shoot dieback and lesions on the stem, branches and roots.

That is the primary report of this pathogen in Europe. At this stage, it’s unknown if Phytophthora pluvialis is the direct reason for the noticed signs which have been discovered on mature western hemlock and Douglas-fir bushes.

Additional surveillance

Forestry Fee, Forest Analysis and the Animal and Plant Well being Company are quickly conducting additional surveillance and diagnostic evaluation to grasp extra in regards to the pathogen and be certain that any required management measures are swiftly undertaken to cease its unfold.

Nicola Spence, the UK chief plant well being officer stated:

“We’re taking swift and sturdy motion towards this discovering of Phytophthora pluvialis, as a part of our well-established biosecurity protocol used for tree pests and illnesses.

I urge all sectors to assist efforts to sort out this pathogen by checking the well being of western hemlock and Douglas-fir bushes. Key signs to search for are lesions on the stem, department or roots.

“Any sightings must be reported to the Forestry Fee through its Tree Alert on-line portal.”

To guard the nation towards this pathogen, the Forestry Fee has launched a demarcated space in Cornwall, to limit the motion of supplies able to spreading the illness.