Sudden Oak Death

Plant Materials Technical Note Number MT-44

This technical note is available in Adobe Acrobat format.

Plant Materials Technical Note Number MT-44 (PDF; 73 KB)

Issued February 2003.
By Joseph D. Scianna, Research Horticulturist, Mike J. Knudson, Forester, and  John A. Dickerson, Plant Materials Specialist

Introduction

A new and serious disease of oak species (Quercus) and tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflorus) known as Sudden Oak Death (SOD) has recently emerged on the west coast of the United States. Although currently confined to California and an isolated location in Oregon, the seriousness of the disease and its possible spread among oak and other species within and outside of its current zone of infestation warrants concern. Plant Materials Specialists, Center Managers, staff, and NRCS Field Office personnel should be aware of this disease, able to identify its symptoms by plant host, and be able to directly or indirectly initiate control measures. Staff in regions of the country characterized by mild, moist winters should be particularly alert. Staff should be aware of local, state, federal, and international regulations restricting the movement and transport of host plants, plant parts (wood, leaves, fruit, seed), and soil.

• Origin
• Current and Potential Zones of Infestation
• Risk Assessment
• Sampling for Phytophthora Ramorum
• Best Management Practices
• References

For additional and updated information on SOD, visit the California Oak Mortality Task Force Website or conduct an Internet search by Sudden Oak Death.

If you have any questions, please contact one of the following:

Joe Scianna, Horticulturist
Phone: (406) 662-3579
Email: Joe.Scianna

Jim Jacobs, Plant Materials Specialist
Phone: (406) 587-6995
Email: Jim.Jacobs

Ronald Nadwornick, State Resource Conservationist
Phone: (406) 587-6998
Email: Ron.Nadwornick

< Back to Plant Materials Technical Notes

Last Modified: 06/24/2008