Online via Zoom on 29 February at 18:30 – 19:30
Dr Joan Webber, Principal Pathologist and project leader at Forest Research will present her recent research on Phytophthora ramorum and offer an informed perspective on the future for larch in Wales.
This webinar should appeal to sawmillers, tree growers, forest contractors and anyone interested in tree disease and the future for larch in Wales.
Agenda
Date: 29th February 2024
Time: 18.30 to 19.30
Location: Zoom
- 18.30 to 18.40 Welcome & introduction from the chair: Christiane Lellig – Woodknowledge Wales
- 18.40 to 19.00 Phytophthora ramorum – the science and implications – Dr Joan Webber (Forest Research)
- 19.00 to 19.30 Q and A
What is Phytophthora ramorum?
Phytophthora ramorum is a fungus like organism that affects a wide range of species and the effects of the pathogen vary greatly depending on the host. Phytophthora ramorum is regulated as a Schedule 1 organism under EU emergency measures (2002/757/EC), and implemented in Wales by the Plant Health (Forestry) Order 2005 and the Plant Health (Wales) Order 2018. This was updated by The Official Controls (Plant Health and Genetically Modified Organisms) (Wales) Regulations 2020.
Phytophthora ramorum Action Plan for Wales
In 2018, Welsh Government set out its commitment to tackle the growing issues around the increasing prevalence of Phytophthora ramorum in larch across Welsh woodlands. The Phytophthora Operational Response Team (PORT) was set up to provide clearstrategic advice and recommendations to the Wales Tree and Plant Health Steering Group for the management of notifiable Phytophthora species in Welsh woodlands within the context of the scientific understanding, risks and overall management of these pathogens in woodlands.
To gain a better understanding of this disease and its spread, the Wales Tree and Plant Health Steering Group launched the Phytophthora ramorum Action Plan for Wales in 2019
