What is Sudden Oak Death?
The tree disease commonly referred to as Sudden Oak Death (SOD) is caused by a mold-like microscopic pathogen called Phytophthora ramorum. The pathogen infects some species of native oaks in California, creating cankers under the bark of the trunk. Beetles and decay fungi often further colonize infected trees, which may lead to a rapid weakening of the tree and its death. SOD also infects a number of other species in California’s woodlands, though the symptoms on these species are milder, usually only leaf spots and twig dieback and typically are not fatal. For a full list of species that are associated with SOD, go to http://www.suddenoakdeath.org • What is SODBusters? The SODBusters project is a two-year research and demonstration project managed by the University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The goal of the project is to help facilitate the disposal and utilization of SOD diseased woody materials. The SODBusters Project is currently maintaining collec
