This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Precautions against Sudden Oak Death
13/05/2002
The Executive today announced a ban on the import of
susceptible plants and planting material from areas of the
US where Sudden Oak Death disease is known to occur.
There will also be a requirement to notify the Executive
of commercial deliveries of Viburnum and Rhododendron
plants, of any origin, into and within Scotland, under The
Plant Health (Phytophthora ramorum) (Scotland) Order 2002.
Similar legislation is being made in other parts of the
UK.
Sudden Oak Death is caused by the fungus Phytophthora
ramorum and, since its discovery in 1995. It has resulted
in the death of many oaks and other native trees in
California and Oregon. P. ramorum has also been found
sporadically in Europe causing disease on Rhododendron and
Viburnum, but not on oaks. Symptoms include wilting of
shoots and water soaked cankers on stems.
The first finding of Phytophthora ramorum in Scotland
has now been confirmed by laboratory analysis. The suspect
plant (Viburnum tinus) was found during routine monitoring
inspections. Action is being taken to control the spread of
the infection and trace the source and destination of
related plants.
These developments highlight the importance of taking
immediate action to control imports and movements of host
horticultural plants, in order to reduce the risk of the
disease spreading further into and within the UK, and to
protect native trees and shrubs.
A letter has been sent to trade organisations and
individual businesses that may be affected to explain the
new requirements.