North Central Research Station

Area of survey for Phytophthora species. 
Image by J. Juzwik

The issue

Oak forest types cover over 50% of all timberland in the Eastern United States, and many oak species are also highly valued urban trees. In addition to the threat of Sudden Oak Death (SOD) from Phytophthora ramorum, oaks in our region may be susceptible to diseases caused by other species of Phytophthora, such as P. quercina. Several Phytophthora species have been found in association with oak forests in European countries, but their presence in oak forests of the Eastern United States is unknown.

What are we doing about it?

In cooperation with scientists from West Virginia University and the Northeastern Research Station, we are conducting a baseline survey to determine Phytophthora species associated with declining and non-declining oaks in five states in the Midwest and four States in the Northeast. Soil samples are collected from oak stands and assayed for the presence of the organisms in the laboratory. This information will be used as a reference if Phytophthora diseases of oaks become a problem in the two regions. The survey also serves as another monitoring effort for the presence of P. ramorum.

For additional information on this topic, refer to:

Our Publications

Treesearch

Cooperator taking soil sample for the Phytophthora survey.
Photo by J. Eggers

Sporangium and hyphae of Phytophthora cinnamomi.
 Photo by J. Eggers