British woodlands at risk as mysterious disease spreads

[starfury]

British woodlands at risk as mysterious disease spreads
By Steve Connor Science Editor
05 December 2003


A mysterious and deadly tree disease has spread across southern
England, raising fears that Britain's woodlands are facing the
biggest threat since Dutch elm disease changed the landscape 30
years ago.

Government scientists confirmed yesterday that sudden oak death, a
fungal infection that has killed 80 per cent of American oaks in
California, had been found in trees at two sites in Cornwall.

The first tree in Britain to be stricken by the disease - a 100-year-
old southern red oak, a species imported from North America - was
discovered last month at a private estate in Sussex.

Stephen Hunter, head of plant health at the Department for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, said the disease had struck
three species of tree at the two Cornish sites - beech, horse
chestnut and holm oak.

Read the rest on
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/environment/story.jsp?story=470192

 

[Wendi]

This disease has also been found in British Columbia, Canada. It not only can affect oak but Douglas firs, beech, horse chestnut, redwoods and a few other species as well. It is a very resilient fungus that can lay dormant for weeks before infecting another plant. It can spread by splashing rain water, wind or by moving soil.

Here is a website with more information and pictures of what the fungus looks like.
http://cemarin.ucdavis.edu/symptoms.html

You may have hit on something, Starfury. It would be impossible for government authorities to monitor every tree in the forest for signs of this disease but informing the folks here will get the word out and they can keep an eye out, contacting the right people if they find a tree that may have it.

 

[Rob]

Sad news indeed. It has been around in the UK for a year or so, and seems to be gaining a foothold.

Seems to be surviving on Rhodedenrons (spell check) and thats how some people think that it survives/spreads. One day we will learn not to trade plants internationally on the open market

There are "Elm Wardens" around (if that is what you would call them) who keep an eye on the remaining Elms. There aren't many though, and they seem to cover a large area.

Awareness from the woods going public may well be the best chance for keeping an eye on this.

Just what response you would get to a report still goes to be seen. Hopefully a good one.