Sudden Oak Death and Phytophthora ramorum

[plantmanky]

Wasn't sure where to put this but this is the kind of information that Bonsai enthusiasts should be aware of. Sudden oak death is a very virulent disease that does affect some plants used in the Bonsai community. Of particular note are the oaks of the Western United States and Japanese Larch. Becasue we in our normal bonsai activities obtain plants from just about everywhere it's always important to know the diseases can follow. Being aware of where the diseases are prevalent should be a guide so that the disease doesn't spread. The blow are links to articles about the disease.

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/newsrele.nsf/AllByUNID/11FB60906B36B2C68025773D005CD276

http://www.suddenoakdeath.org/

[lewisjk]

Azalea (Rhododendron) are also very susceptible. Nursery plants have been found with the disease.

I know some USDA scientists working on SOD; they tell me that it is very unlikely that a bonsai would get the disease; it could be gotten through a collected tree, but the pot environment would not be conducive for disease progression.

[plantmanky]

Azalea (Rhododendron) are also very susceptible. Nursery plants have been found with the disease.

I know some USDA scientists working on SOD; they tell me that it is very unlikely that a bonsai would get the disease; it could be gotten through a collected tree, but the pot environment would not be conducive for disease progression.

That's good to know! I know In California the Ag inspectors are closely keeping an eye on nursery stock as they have seen it appear in some nurseries. There are many commercial wholesale nurseries that grow their stock in the ground, ship it bare root to retail or close to retail nurseries who then containerize it for sale. If that's the case, it could creep unknowingly into bonsai vendor material and make it's way into our lives. I hope your buddies at USDA are right on pots not being condusive to it's progression. Time will certainly tell us if that's the case.