Surveying for Phytophthora species in water and soil in Georgia

Abstract

Phytophthora species are water and soil-borne saprophytes and plant pathogens. The introduction of P. ramorum, the causal agent of sudden oak death (SOD) into Georgia has created an interest in identifying Phytophthora sp. occurring in ornamental plant nurseries and natural forests in Georgia. Phytophthora sp. can be identified from water and soil using host plant tissue bait surveys. In this study, water and soil surveys were conducted to identify Phytophthora sp. and determine the spread of P. ramorum from sites of introduction in ornamental nurseries into surrounding natural areas. The results of this study showed that Phytophthora sp. can be recovered from forest and suburban streams and ornamental nursery retention ponds. Phytophthora ramorum was recovered from soil in one retail nursery several times over the course of a year, including areas away from the site of initial introduction.