Update on the situation of Phytophthora pluvialis in the United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, Phytophthora pluvialis was first recorded in Cornwall (England) in September 2021 affecting mature western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) (EPPO RS 2021/227). Further surveys have been conducted since then and the pathogen was found in other locations in England, as well as in Scotland and in Wales.
- England: Following extensive surveillance, further outbreaks have been found in Cornwall, Devon, Cumbria, Surrey. Three demarcated areas have been established so far: one covering parts of Cornwall and Devon, one covering parts of Cumbria, and one covering parts of Herefordshire (associated with the outbreak in Powys in Wales).
- Wales: P. pluvialis was first detected in Dyfi Forest (Gwynedd) in December 2021. As of 16 March 2022, it has been found at 12 sites across Wales. These include Gwynedd, Carmarthenshire, Powys, Monmouthshire and Rhondda Cynon Taf. Four demarcated areas have been defined so far.
- Scotland: P. pluvialis was first detected near Loch Carron in the northwest of Scotland in November 2021. A demarcated area was established on 2021-12-15. A second outbreak was found in an area near Loch Awe in Argyll in February 2022. A demarcated area will be soon established.
Official measures are applied and include the prohibition of movement of any wood, isolated bark and trees (including live trees, felled or fallen trees, fruit, seeds, leaves or foliage) of the genera Tsuga, Pseudotsuga, Pinus and Notholithocarpus, that originated within the demarcated areas. Movements and processing of material from the demarcated areas may be authorized where this can be achieved without risking the spread of Phytophthora pluvialis.
Sources
Forestry Commission (2022-03-10) Guidance on Phytophthora pluvialis https://www.gov.uk/guidance/phytophthora-pluvialis
Scottish Forestry (2022) Phytophthora pluvialis in Scotland. https://forestry.gov.scot/sustainable-forestry/tree-health/tree-pests-and-diseases/phytophthora-pluvialis
Welsh government (2021-12-13) Press release. First case of tree disease Phytophthora pluvialis discovered in Wales. https://gov.wales/first-case-tree-disease-phytophthora-pluvialis-discovered-wales