Phytophthora ramorum: the situation in Scotland1

In Scotland inspections for Phytophthora ramorum on plants in the horticulture nursery trade started in July 2001 and are currently carried out four times per year. In addition, approximately 130 established gardens have been inspected for the disease during the years 2003 and 2004. Phytophthora ramorum has been found on Rhododendron, Viburnum, and lilac (Syringa vulgaris); the most important host plant is Viburnum tinus. The pathogen is confined to nurseries and garden centres with the exception of one private garden. The first finding was in April 2002 with 17 more outbreaks the same year. Since then the number of outbreaks per year has declined dramatically to 6 in 2003, 5 in 2004 and 3 until November 2005. Altogether, there have been 21 different outbreaks sites since the first finding, some with repeated occurrences of the disease.