Phytophthora ramorum's threat to the East Coast

Phytophthora ramorum's threat to the East Coast was discussed at the Address P. ramorum Initiative breakout session held at Brandeis University, October 6, 2010, as part of the sixth meeting of the Continental Dialogue of Non-native Insects and Diseases. A poster and handout summarized what is known: The Sudden Oak Death pathogen has been detected in eight rivers in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and North Carolina. These contaminated waterways are near P. ramorum-positive nurseries. Several of the streams are in areas identified by the USDA Forest Service as "high risk" for infestation due to the presence of susceptible vegetation and suitable climate. The group discussed preliminary plans for 2011, which may include a meeting for interested parties to learn more about the Forest Service "Sudden Oak Death Framework" and recommendations to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service from interagency work groups on current P. ramorum regulations. The Address P. ramorum Initiative's goal is to prevent the spread of P. ramorum and work in a collaborative, proactive, cooperative manner. For more information, contact the Initiative co-leads: Ken Rauscher, Jerry Lee, or Susan Frankel.