Pilot program (proof of concept) to mitigate Phytophthora ramorum at an infested nursery based on a systems approach

Abstract

The primary purpose of this program was to demonstrate proof of concept of certain mitigation approaches at a repeat P. ramorum-positive nursery site in Washington. Approaches included steam treatment of infested soil areas; creating a gravel “sandwich” above steam-treated and potentially infested soil surfaces; improving drainage systems; required sanitation of pots, flats, and other surfaces; monitoring host plants; and training of staff to identify potential problems and symptoms associated with the life cycle of P. ramorum. Various critical control points (CCPs) were sampled for Phytophthora spp. and the results shared with the nursery and regulatory agencies to demonstrate the effectiveness of their practices. The hypothesis was these specific mitigations will effectively prevent future infestations of nursery stock produced at this site.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the sudden oak death sixth science symposium

Citation

Chastagner, Gary; Elliott, Marianne. 2017. Pilot program (proof of concept) to mitigate Phytophthora ramorum at an infested nursery based on a systems approach. In: Frankel, Susan J.; Harrell, Katharine M., tech. coords. Proceedings of the sudden oak death sixth science symposium. Gen. Tech. Rep. GTR-PSW-255. Albany, CA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station: 46-47.