|
|
SUDDEN OAK DEATH Sudden Oak Death (SOD) is a devastating disease recently reported in central coastal California and southwestern Oregon. A newly identified fungus, Phytophthora ramorum, causes the disease. On tanoaks, coast live oaks, and California black oaks, the disease causes a bleeding canker on the stem, and eventual death. On Rhododendron spp., huckleberry, bay laurel, madrone, bigleaf maple, manzanita, and California buckeye, the disease causes a leaf spot and twig dieback. It has also been observed on rhododendron and viburnum in Germany and the Netherlands. The origin of the pathogen is unknown. SOD is not involved in the oak decline event that is currently being observed in Arkansas and Missouri. The SOD pathogen has the potential to infect oaks and other trees and shrubs if it is transported to the Central States. Limited tests have shown that many oak species, including northern red oak and pin oak, are highly susceptible to the disease. The means by which this pathogen spreads to new areas and infects hosts is unknown; long distance spread is most likely facilitated by human movement of infected plants, soil on recreational equipment, hiking boots, tools, and diseased firewood. Early detection of this disease in new areas is important to prevent its spread to other areas. Be aware of this condition, and report any suspected cases to a forest health specialist in your agency. More information on the symptoms, pathogen, hosts, and distribution are available at the following websites:
|
|
|