Phytophthora kernoviae found on Vaccinium
Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) is a native heathland species, which forms an integral component of several types of native heathland. Vaccinium myrtillus was identified as a highly susceptible species in laboratory experiments by the Central Science Laboratory in 2005 for P. ramorum and 2006 for P. kernoviae. Other heathland species have also been found susceptible in laboratory tests. See further information at:
http://randd.defra.gov.uk/Document.aspx?Document=PH0193S_2686_FRP.pdf
http://www.defra.gov.uk/planth/kernovii/kernrep.pdf
Due to laboratory indications of potential susceptible, surveys have included heathland and especially V. myrtillus. The first finding of Vaccinium myrtillus infected with Phytophthora kernoviae in the wild was confirmed in December 2007 in woodland in Cornwall.
P. kernoviae has subsequently been found on Vaccinium myrtillus on two open heathland sites in Cornwall.
Defra and the Forestry Commission are working with local stakeholders to manage and control the disease and further heathland surveys are underway to establish whether this is an isolated incident or other areas are infected. Research linked to the additional survey work and action is being considered to help inform our understanding of risks to heathland from both pathogens and to inform potential disease management approaches.
Woodland Vaccinium surveys are on-going. Heathland surveys will resume in Autumn as the bracken makes surveying too difficult during the Summer months. 15 sites have been identified for further survey work focusing on Vaccinium and P. ramorum/P. kernoviae distribution.
The confirmation of P. kernoviae on Vaccinium myrtillus has not restricted access to open heathland. However visitors to infected sites should use the footpaths wherever possible, clean soil from boots and clothing before visiting other sites and keep pets on a lead. Visitors should not take cuttings or remove plants, of any type, from healthlands.
A policy review is currently underway to assess options for future management of P. kernoviae and P. ramorum.
Page last modified:
11 July 2008
Page published: 11 July 2008