Tree disease, Phytophthora pluvialis found in Europe for the first time.
A Fungus-like pathogen has infected woodland in the West Country and Lake District, reports the RHS.
Gardeners and those working with trees are urged to keep vigilant for Phytophthora pluvialis, a fungus-like pathogen of conifers. During aerial surveys over Cornish woodland, mature western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) and Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesti) caused concern on a large scale.
Analysis of samples collected from the trees found Phytophthora pluvialis to be present. This disease causes needles to turn brown and drop, dieback on shoots, and lesions on stems and branches. The Government has put in place strict restrictions in parts of Cornwall, Devon and Cumbria, including the movement of timber, bark or trees, to limit the spread of the pathogen.
For more information search Pluvialis’ at www.forestresearch.gov.uk.
