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By
Ralph J. Zingaro – Bioscape Inc.
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It
is now clear that a fungus causes Sudden Oak Decline. This fungus has been isolated and identified as an unknown
species of Phytophthora. This
Phytophthora spp. is very different than the varieties of Phytophthora
that we are used to working with in crops like Rhododendrons. This Phytophthora spp. is an aerial fungus that can be spread
from tree to tree by wind, rain, birds and insects. The fungus does like cool, wet conditions, but also found in
hotter areas as well.
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Previously,
recommendations have been made to spray the bark of affected oak trees
with a toxic insecticide called Astro or Dragnet.
Now, as a result of extensive research performed, it has been
scientifically proven that Astro applications are successful at deterring
beetle attacks, but not successful
at keeping oak trees alive. Since
the fungus is generally considered a biotroph (attacks living tissue) and
beetles generally considered saprophytes (attacking dead tissue) the
obvious control strategies should be directed at the primary pathogen
Phytophthora which affects the vascular tissue of trees and eventually can
outright kill oak trees.
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studies performed at the University of Calfornia at Berkeley prove that
five compounds will control five different strains of this fungus.
One of these compounds is actually not even a fungicide.
This product is a nutrient that has been used in other agricultural
crops for the control of other Phytophthora species.
The nutrient is called phosphonate or phosphite. This fertilizer is
unlike any typical fertilizer. Recent studies performed on potted trees in
Petaluma indicate that the phosphonate fertilizer has the ability to
prevent phytophthora lesions from forming on oak trees. Also, since it is
a fertilizer this treatment drastically improves the overall health.
For more information contact Ralph at Bioscape at 877-246-7227 or www.bioscape.com
or for more information visit
www.suddenoakdeath.org. |
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San Francisco Bay Area
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