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Global threats from Phytophthora spp.; understanding drivers of emergence and opportunities for mitigation through nursery best practice - Phyto-threats

Led by Dr Sarah Greene, Forest Research

Some of the greatest threats to our nation’s trees result from the introduction and spread of exotic pests and pathogens through plant imports and other infested material. Species of Phytophthora are particularly destructive plant pathogens worldwide, causing damage not only to forest and amenity trees but also to shrubs and important food and fibre crops. Over the past 13 years, five new species of pathogenic Phytophthora (Phytophthora ramorum, P. kernoviae, P. lateralis, P. austrocedri and P. pseudosyringae)have been detected in Britain, all capable of causing damage to trees across a range of different environments. In all cases, imported planting material has been either confirmed or strongly implicated as the most likely route of introduction.

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Current practices are increasing the diversity of co-existing Phytophthoras in the environment, yet we have little understanding of the potential for new aggressive Phytophthoras to arise through hybridisation or other mechanisms of genetic exchange when new species meet. Whole genome sequences of Phytophthora species will be examined to determine the extent to which genetic exchange has occurred among Phytophthoras and related organisms, and how this might have enabled these pathogens to adapt on to tree species, change virulence or host range. This work will enhance our fundamental understanding of pathogen evolution.

This project is in partnership

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/fr/phytothreats

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