Situation of Phytophthora ramorum in United Kingdom
As now required by Commission Decision 2002/757, surveys are being conducted in all EU member states on Phytophthora ramorum (EPPO Alert List). So far, in United Kingdom, the presence of P. ramorum has been found at 196 sites in England, Wales, Scotland and Guernsey. A map of the 2002/2003 findings can be viewed on Internet (http://www.defra.gov.uk/planth/graphics/sod.gif). The majority of findings were made on Rhododendron and Viburnum, but recently the pathogen was observed on Pieris formosa var. forrestii, P. japonica, Camellia japonica and Kalmia latifolia which can be considered as new natural host plants. It is stressed that during these surveys, P. ramorum has never been found on oaks or any other trees. Eradication measures will continue in United Kingdom.
A Summary Pest Risk Analysis made by CSL is available on Internet (http://www.defra.gov.uk/planth/pra.htm) and provides much detailed information on P. ramorum.
Sources
DEFRA Web site (Plant & Seeds, Plant Health News)
http://www.defra.gov.uk/planth/what.htm.