‘Guidelines to Control Phytophthora Diseases in Native Restoration Nurseries with Steven Tjosvald’ outlines the importance of preventing the introduction of Phytophthora species into wildlands through nursery practices.
Phytophthora Overview: Phytophthora is a water mold that can cause devastating impacts on wildlands. It has a broad host range and can cause diseases like sudden oak death and crown rot in trees. Phytophthora species are challenging to eradicate once established in the wild.
Case Study: Sudden Oak Death: This disease, caused by Phytophthora ramorum, has had profound effects on oak woodlands in California, Oregon, and southern Oregon, causing the death of millions of trees. It was introduced to the United States in 2000 and has spread through nursery products.
Management Practices: The video discusses practical management guidelines developed by restoration nurseries and scientists to minimize Phytophthora contamination. These guidelines include:
- Starting with propagated material that is free from infection.
- Cleaning and sterilizing containers and potting media.
- Using clean water and maintaining clean production practices.
- Avoiding the use of fungicides that may mask Phytophthora symptoms.
- Implementing recordkeeping and maintaining phytosanitary procedures throughout the process.
Impact on Nurseries: The introduction of Phytophthora into nurseries has led to significant challenges, including the need for high levels of phytosanitary procedures, which can increase costs. Nurseries are in transition, determining priorities for implementing these practices.
Future Accreditation Program: There is a mention of a future accreditation program in California that will require nurseries to document their phytosanitary procedures, indicating a move towards standardization and recognition of best practices in managing Phytophthora.
Resources and Further Learning: The video mentions resources available for further learning, including a PDF with detailed guidelines and an online course on Phytophthora from Oregon State University.
In summary, the video emphasizes the critical role of preventing Phytophthora contamination in wildlands through careful nursery practices, highlighting the importance of starting with clean, disease-free material, maintaining cleanliness throughout the production process, and implementing stringent phytosanitary procedures.