Defra

Lord Bach, the Defra Minister responsible for Plant Health, gave the opening speech and spoke about how Government, growers, landowners and managers all have a role to play in responding to Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora kernoviae. Stephen Hunter, Head of Plant Health Division, then gave an update of the situation in the UK. This was followed by a forward look at the possible future scenarios for the two diseases by Martin Ward. Details of findings in France were given by Nathalie Schenck, and then a summary of the situation in the USA by Jonathan Jones. Andrew Colquhoun, Director General of the Royal Horticultural Society, chaired each session and invited questions from the audience. Questions covered such topics as pruning compared to the destruction of plants, findings of P. ramorum in roots, burial of diseased plants, epidemiology of the pathogen, action by other Member States, compensation, payment to remove Rhododendron ponticum, and potential for spread of the disease by walkers.

After lunch attendees split into three groups to discuss either a) science in relation to risks, b) action in woodlands and gardens, or c) nursery practice, movement controls and clean-up. Industry rapporteurs then reported back the main issues to the meeting.

We acknowledge with thanks the support of Andrew Colquhoun, chairman for the day, and the three industry rapporteurs; Martin McPherson from Stockbridge Technology Centre, Philip McMillan Browse from the Lost Gardens of Heligan and John Richardson from Johnson’s of Whixley.

Full details of the presentations (and a summary of the afternoon discussions) can be found in the left-hand column of this webpage.

Discussions (above and right)