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This project uses Illumina eDNA metabarcode sequencing to examine the diversity of Phytophthoras in soil and water at a range of forest, woodland and public garden sites across Britain to facilitate early pathogen detection and to better predict risk.

Overview The emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) is devastating ash trees in its invaded range of North America and spreading rapidly towards Western Europe from European Russia and Ukraine. To allow a rapid response when the beetle is detected, slow its spread and protect trees as...

Overview Ash trees across Great Britain are under increasing threat from pests and diseases as ash dieback (ADB) continues to spread and intensify in impact. Meanwhile, concerns grow throughout Europe about the westward spread of emerald ash borer (EAB). Should EAB be discovered in Great Britain, decisions taken by managers...

Invasive tree pathogens pose a significant and increasing threat to natural ecosystems. The outcome of these novel host-pathogen interactions depends largely on the presence and nature of resistance in host populations, which will govern the host’s potential to respond through natural selection and adaptation to the new threat. This study...

Optimal soil conditions or ‘soil health’ is the foundation of forest health, including providing resilience in the face of environmental change. This research aims to improve interest in and uptake of science-based guidance and advice to maintain or improve forest soil health for forest resilience.

Optimising a protocol for drone spraying onto single trees and evaluate the operational feasibility of using drones for control of the quarantine tree pest Oak Processionary Moth (Thaumetopoea processionea).

This report provides a review of the Forest Trapping Network Year Two rollout

Summary This Letter to the Editor of the international journal ‘Phytopathology’ lays out the case for retaining the historic and well recognised name Phytophthora, which is applied to a genus of highly significant plant destroying pathogens. The authors’ case is based on strong biological and genetic evidence, but also emphasises...

Invasive Phytophthora species are increasingly impacting UK landscapes. Most recently, cryptic outbreaks of P. pluvialis Reeser, Sutton & E. Hansen have occurred on western hemlock and Douglas fir at several forest sites across Britain. To better understand the ubiquity and life cycle of this pathogen in British forests and the...

Acute oak decline (AOD), a decline syndrome affecting mature oaks, involves bacterial pathogens which likely act as opportunists under host stress. Trees displaying symptoms (bleeding cankers) appear in localized clusters, not whole stands. This study investigates the potential involvement of local-scale factors, in interaction with large-scale environmental drivers, in influencing...