Why are Defra and the Forestry Commission so concerned about Phytophthora kernoviae?
Currently the pathogen is subject to an eradication/containment programme and so its full potential has not been realised. However, the extent of the damage to trees and shrubs, and the apparent speed at which symptoms develop, indicate that this disease poses a potentially serious threat to woodland and heathland environments. P. kernoviae may continue to be damaging in woodlands infested with rhododendron and in historic gardens with susceptible plants, especially in the west of GB or in other parts with favourable microclimates. P. kernoviae was found infecting Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) in woodland in Cornwall in December 2007 and in open heathland in February 2008. These are the first records on vaccinium in the UK. The potential for the pathogen to spread further in heathland environments is not known; however, prior to these findings laboratory experiments have shown that this and other heathland species were susceptible to P. kernoviae. The UK has 20% of the world’s lowland
