A case of the tree illness Phytophthora pluvialis has been confirmed in Wales for the primary time.

The fungal-like pathogen identified to have an effect on a wide range of tree species – together with western hemlock, Douglas fir and a number of other pine species – has been found on the Welsh Authorities Woodland Property in Dyfi Fredt, Gwynedd.

The illness was initially reported within the US (Oregon) in 2013 and in New Zealand in 2014, the place it was reported to have prompted needle forged – the place needles flip brown and fall off – in addition to shoot dieback and lesions on the stem, branches and roots.

In September, Phytophthora pluvialis was found in a woodland in Cornwall, England, affecting mature western hemlock and Douglas-fir timber. Additional outbreaks have been present in Cornwall, Devon, Cumbria, and on one website within the northwest of Scotland.

Nevertheless, the illness has by no means been detected in Europe earlier than this 12 months, so analysis is ongoing to know if different probably prone species might grow to be impacted.

Commenting, Welsh Local weather Change Minister Julie James mentioned:

We’ll continued to work with accomplice companies throughout the UK to share info, expertise and understanding to make sure a joint strategy to monitoring and managing the state of affairs.”

Individuals are urged to report sighting by way of the TreeAlert on-line portal.