AmericanHort, HRI Respond to Newly Detected Phytophthora

Jennifer Zurko

Phytophthora austrocedri, a species of Phytophthora never before reported in North America, has been detected in two Pacific Northwest nursery operations. In response, efforts are rapidly unfolding to address this emerging threat.

As is often the case with new plant health challenges, many questions remain: What are the origins of this pathogen? Was it introduced, and if so, how? How long has it been present? How far has it spread? And most importantly, how severe could its impact be on nurseries, landscapes and the ecosystem?

AmericanHort’s response focuses on three key areas: science, regulation and outreach/education. They’re collaborating with the research community, industry partners such as the Oregon Association of Nurseries, and federal and state plant regulatory agencies.

On the research front, a team of leading scientists is already working to map out what is known and what still needs to be discovered to effectively address Phytophthora prevention—both for this new species and others that may threaten plant production.

The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) has already successfully secured the reprioritization of $250,000 in federal research funds to immediately begin developing and implementing effective strategies to prevent the spread of P. austrocedri and minimize its impact on the horticultural industry.

Researchers at USDA and Oregon State University will spearhead efforts to study the biology, transmission and control of this emerging disease.

With the pathogen recently detected in Oregon and its ability to persist in soil and water, HRI says it’s grateful for how quickly USDA ARS and HRI’s research partners were able to shift focus and respond.

“HRI’s ability to prioritize this research and our collaboration with industry experts and plant pathologists underscore our commitment to providing the industry with practical solutions safeguarding plants, landscapes and green industry businesses from emerging threats,” said the press release.

AmericanHort is also working to inform and shape the federal/state government response with the goals of minimizing disruption and harm to the industry, advancing a “best practices” approach, and ensuring that any regulatory burdens on our industry are commensurate with the threat. AmericanHort will continue to update us as this situation continues to evolve.

To learn more about P. austrocedri and the research, GO HERE. GT