Management of Phytophthora cinnamomi of tracks and trails

Renate Velzeboer

www.environment.sa.gov.au

What is Phytophthora?

• Water mould • Carried in soil and water• Depending on moisture• Not visible with the naked eye• More than 50 Phytophthora species worldwide• Phytophthora cinnamomi (Pc) is most common

species and most destructive in Australia• Introduced into Australia from South-East Asia• Found in high rainfall areas• Very wide host range – ornamental plants, fruits,

vegetables and native vegetation• Affects roots and stem of plants - causes them to

rot and die

www.environment.sa.gov.au

Key threatening process

Pc has been listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999 as a key threatening process:

•Major threat to native vegetation and fauna

•Many native plant species in Australia are endemic

•National Threat Abatement Plan

www.environment.sa.gov.au

Dead plants of Xanthorrhoea semiplana (Grass-trees)

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Dead plants of Banksia ornata (Desert Banksia)

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Control and eradication

• We can’t eradicate Pc

Once infested – always infested!

•People can minimise the spread:Do not transport infested soil and plant material

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Pc management

•Temporary or permanent closure of roads and tracks

•Program your work:– Plan your work around times when soils are driest

– Work in uninfected areas first, then move into infested areas

•Hygiene - ensure vehicles, equipment, footwear, bicycles and horse’s hooves are clean at all times!

•Educate people– Guidelines, posters & brochures

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Bootcleaning station - disinfection

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Hygiene kits

•Horse’s hooves•Footwear

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Spread the word – not Phytophthora