First report of Phytophthora ramorum in Jersey
The NPPO of Jersey recently informed the EPPO Secretariat of the first report of Phytophthora ramorum (EPPO A2 List) on its territory.
P. ramorum was detected on three rhododendron plants in two adjacent private gardens in the parish of St. Ouen in the north-west of Jersey, during a routine annual island-wide survey for P. ramorum.
The infected plants in one garden were imported directly into Jersey from a Belgian supplier; it is believed that the plants originated in Germany and were grown on in Belgium. The origin of the single rhododendron in the adjacent garden is not known but the plant is well established. Surveys of all hosts, including Quercus spp. and Castanea spp. within a 500-metre radius of both outbreak sites revealed no further symptoms of disease. Eradication involving removal and destruction via incineration of plants and root balls is underway in a 5-metre radius. Biosecurity measures are applied in a 10-m radius area and include: operators to use disposable paper coveralls, disposable gloves, removal and incineration of leaves and other plant debris, mandatory cleaning and disinfection of tools and footwear for all operators entering the area. Surveillance is ongoing.
The pest status of Phytophthora ramorum in Jersey is officially declared as: Present, under eradication.
Sources
NPPO of Jersey (2025-10).