Farm Forestry New Zealand
PESTS AND DISEASES OF FORESTRY IN NEW ZEALAND
Sudden oak death in Canada
Scion is the leading provider of forest-related knowledge in New Zealand
Formerly known as the Forest Research Institute, Scion has been a leader in research relating to forest health for over 50 years. The Rotorua-based Crown Research Institute continues to provide science that will protect all forests from damage caused by insect pests, pathogens and weeds. The information presented below arises from these research activities.
From Forest Health News 130, June 2003.
Sudden oak death caused by Phytophthora ramorum has killed tens of thousands of oaks in California and Oregon, and infection has also led to disease symptoms in two conifer species (FHNews 113:1; 123:1-2). This month sudden oak death was found for the first time in Canada on a rhododendron plant in a nursery in British Columbia.
Following a notification from the United States, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency traced its origin to an import from a wholesale nursery in Oregon, which had tested positive for the disease. Strict regulatory measures have been put in place to destroy all infected material in order to prevent spread. Restrictions already in place prohibiting the entry of a number of hardwood species from parts of Europe and California are being maintained. The fungus found in BC is said to be a less severe strain, and the BC Landscape and Nursery Association believe the find should not be considered a major issue. However, the Canadian Forest Service is treating the discovery as very serious, because of the potential for export losses of billions of dollars.
Sources: CFIA news release, 13 June; Canadian Broadcasting Corporation News British Columbia, June 16 2003.
This information is intended for general interest only. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific specialist advice on any matter and should not be relied on for that purpose. Scion will not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential or exemplary damages, loss of profits, or any other intangible losses that result from using the information provided on this site.
(Scion is the trading name of the New Zealand Forest Research Institute Limited.)
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