Phytophthoras are microscopic organisms that cause root, stem and leaf diseases in crops, ornamentals and native plants (including forbs, shrubs and trees). A group of OSU Extension educators and plant pathologists developed a short brochure to ensure that small woodland owners and their contractors received straightforward Phytophthora prevention information to help them successfully achieve their management objectives.
Small woodland owners are often engaged in a full spectrum of land management activities, including restoration planting projects. These projects might include planting riparian areas or other sensitive restoration sites. While restoration planting projects have great benefits, care must be taken to prevent the introduction of exotic and invasive Phytophthora species as well as other invasive pathogens.
The “How to Prevent Phytophthoras in Restoration Plantings on Your Woodland” brochure is available online in the OSU Extension catalog in English and Spanish (see below for links). A quarter-fold brochure will also be available in both English and Spanish. The topics covered in the brochure include:
- A background on Phytophthoras and why these invasive pathogens are so damaging to our native ecosystems.
- Why we need to focus on prevention.
- Best practices for restoration planting.
- How to keep planting projects clean
- A handy planting checklist with practical steps small woodland owners and their contractors can take to help prevent invasive pathogens from hitching a ride into a restoration site.
The importance placed on Phytophthora prevention is highlighted by the diverse array of expertise represented by our authors. Marianne Elliott is a Washington State University research associate in the Department of Plant Pathology at the Puyallup Research and Extension Center. Jennifer Park is a courtesy faculty with the Department of Crop and Soil Science at Oregon State University (OSU). Aaron Groth is an OSU regional fire specialist. Beatriz Botello Solgado is an OSU family and community health program coordinator.
Norma Kline and Dan Stark are OSU Extension foresters who work with small woodland owners. Both Beatriz and Aaron were instrumental in adapting the brochure for a Spanish-speaking audience. This project was funded by the Oregon Forest Resources Institute.
References
How to Prevent Phytophthoras in Restoration Plantings on Your Woodland
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/pub/em-9398
Prevención de las Especies de Phytophthoras en Plantaciones de Restauración en su Tierra