ramorum (on larch) action plan final august 2015€¦ · ramorum (on larch) action plan for...

1 | Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan For Scotland (2015) | Forestry Commission Scotland

Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan for

Scotland (2015)

Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan for Scotland

(2015)

Audience

1. The primary audience for this Action Plan is the Scottish Tree Health Advisory

Group (STHAG). A copy will also be maintained on Forestry Commission Scotland’s Tree

Health pages1.

Background and context

2. Actions for the health of Scotland’s trees, woods and forests are set within the

overarching, sustainable forest management principles set out in the UK Forestry

Standard2 and the Scottish Forestry Strategy3. Such actions must also have regard to

the aims of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy4. Legislation relating to plant health

matters does not override other legislative requirements – and vice versa.

3. The fungus-like pathogen Phytophthora ramorum (‘Ramorum’) was first detected

in GB in the nursery trade in 2002 and then in established gardens in 2007. It was not

until 2009 that Ramorum was found to be infecting Japanese larch in south west

England, and the first confirmed infection on larch in Scotland was found in November

2010 on the Craignish peninsula.

4. Ramorum on larch causes needle necrosis, shoot dieback, bleeding cankers and

death of trees – which can be rapid (one to two seasons). The three main commercial

larch species in Britain (Japanese, European and hybrid) can be infected, although to-

date, Japanese larch appears to be the most severely impacted.

5. Dispersal of Ramorum is primarily via asexual spores in sporangia, these being

distributed by rain splash, mist, and water movement. Long distance spread can occur

in moist winds, movement of infected plant material and associated growing media, and

soil movement on people, vehicles and animals. Long lived ‘resting spores’

(chlamydospores) aid survival.

1 http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/supporting/forest-industries/tree-health

2 www.forestry.gov.uk/ukfs

3 http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/supporting/strategy-policy-guidance/forestry-strategy

4 www.biodiversityscotland.gov.uk/doing/framework/strategy/

Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan for Scotland (2015)


6. The highest risk, climatically, is the western half of Scotland (see Annex 1) but

infections can a take hold elsewhere if the microclimate is suitable and host plants are

present (such as larch and Rhododendron ponticum). Currently, GB has been divided

into three risk zones, with Zone 1 being at the greatest risk of infection, and Zone 3

being at the least risk (see Annex 2). Modelling work undertaken by CEH5 on behalf of

the Scottish Government helped refine areas potentially at high risk.

7. Until 2011, the population of P. ramorum was known to consist of three lineages,

two from North America (NA1 and NA2) and one from Europe (EU1). A fourth lineage

(origin unknown) - EU2 - was then confirmed in Northern Ireland and, subsequently,

south west Scotland. Initial indications suggest this new lineage may be more aggressive

in colonising larch bark than EU1 but, conversely, may not be as efficient in sporulating

on needles.

8. P. ramorum is regulated under EU emergency measures (2002/757/EC),

implemented by the Plant Health (Forestry) (Phytophthora ramorum) (Great Britain)

Order 2004 and the Plant Health (Phytophthora ramorum) (Scotland) Order 2004 which

broadly seek to prevent the import of infected plants, deal with infections in nurseries,

and, elsewhere, to take measures to at least contain the disease. Such measures are

achieved through the use of statutory plant health notices requiring the felling/killing of

infected larch by a specified date.

9. This Action Plan sits within the wider context of the Scottish Government’s

strategy for P. ramorum in Scotland6.

Current situation on larch in Scotland

10. There are approximately 66,000 ha of larch in Scotland7.

11. Until 2012, the disease was typically associated with relatively small and isolated

outbreaks. Following wet autumnal conditions and a mild winter in 2011/12, a significant

outbreak extension was detected in the west of Galloway in 2012. Further favourable

weather conditions in late summer/early autumn 2012, aided by topography and the

relatively contiguous distribution of larch in the area, gave rise to a major surge in

disease expression in south west Scotland, with some 5,000 ha – 6,000 ha of larch

stands thought to have some level of infection by the end of 2013.

5 Not yet published

6www.gov.scot/Topics/farmingrural/Agriculture/plant/PlantHealth/PlantDiseases/Phytophthoras/Er

adicationandContainment. 7 Source: National Forestry Inventory: 50 year forecast of softwood availability – 2014

(http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/50_YEAR_FORECAST_OF_SOFTWOOD_AVAILABILITY.pdf/$FILE/50_YEAR_FORECAST_OF_SOFTWOOD_AVAILABILITY.pdf)



12. The 2013 surge in infection gave rise to new legislation making special

arrangements for the area in south west Scotland known as the Management Zone8 (see

Annex 3). Here, FCS will no longer issue statutory plant health notices and statutory

controls on the movement of all roundwood, larch timber and associated, potentially

infectious, products will be applied to such material only if it leaves this area.

13. The extent of infections in south west Scotland presents a major operational

challenge in terms of larch clearance, will have significant impacts on forest landscapes

(some of which will be positive in terms of providing re-structuring opportunities), and

may give rise to significant collateral damage to associated wildlife and adjacent

heathland (blaeberry).

14. Outside the Management Zone, measures to contain Ramorum on larch were

enhanced by extending the larch clearance area around infected stands to a radius of

250m (previously it was 100m).

15. In late summer 2013, weather conditions less favourable for Ramorum appear to

have had a marked impact on the severity of infection and speed of spread in 2014 in

south west Scotland (and elsewhere). Similarly, drier conditions in late 2014 are

predicted to aid disease slow down in 2015 – but this remains a significant area of

uncertainty.

16. As at July 2015, the current distribution of known Ramorum outbreaks on larch in

Scotland is shown in Annex 4.

17. Eradication of Ramorum on larch in Scotland is no longer achievable.

Strategic objectives

18. The main objectives of this plan are to:

a) Manage and control the rate of spread of Ramorum on larch to reduce economic

impacts to the forestry, nursery and ornamental garden sectors; and

b) Protect the health of other trees and the wider environment.

8 http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/supporting/forest-industries/tree-health/phytophthora-ramorum/management-zone-

restrictions



Key priorities

19. The main actions in the priority areas of research, surveillance & monitoring,

prophylactic measures, reactive measures, and communications are listed below and

shown in more detail in Annex 5.

20. Research

a) Improve our understanding of the presence, spread and impact of Ramorum (on

larch) in Scotland.

b) Identify resistant/low susceptibility larch trees and potential treatments for

Ramorum (on larch).

21. Surveillance & Monitoring

a) Maintain targeted surveillance, ground-truthing and diagnostic capacity for

Ramorum (on larch) in Scotland.

b) Utilise citizen science to assist with the monitoring of Ramorum.

22. Prophylactic measures

a) Encourage Ramorum awareness and implementation of current guidance across

the forestry sectors.

b) Explore funding opportunities for the prophylactic removal of R. ponticum in high

risk areas9.

23. Reactive measures

a) Keep the current statutory and non-statutory approaches10 for dealing with

Ramorum infections in Scotland, including support measures and felling licensing,

under review.

b) Subject to biosecurity requirements, maximise opportunities for the use of co-

products from infected stands of larch.

24. Communications

a) Ensure FC/FCS web pages remain current.

9 Based on CEH modelling work undertaken for the Scottish Government.

10 http://scotland.forestry.gov.uk/supporting/forest-industries/tree-health/phytophthora-ramorum/advice-and-information



b) Enhance awareness of the impacts and management of Ramorum on larch in

Scotland.

Reporting on progress

25. The overall action plan will be reviewed annually by the Scottish Tree Health

Advisory Group.

26. Progress against Annex 5 will be reviewed on an ‘exception reporting’ basis at

each Scottish Tree Health Advisory Group (Steering Group) meeting.

Contingency arrangements

27. An immediate review of the Action Plan will be triggered by:

a) Detection of any major change to the distribution, size and impact of infections

seen on larch in Scotland outside the Management Zone.

b) Any changes to the regulatory status of P. ramorum in Scotland (and/or mainland

GB).

Prepared by: Hugh Clayden (July 2015)

Approved by: STHAG Chair (July 2015)

Review by: July 2016



Annex 1

Climatic risk for Phytophthora ramorum



Annex 2

Ramorum on larch – Risk Zones

(Zone 1 - Highest risk Zone 2 - Intermediate risk Zone 3 - Lowest risk)



Annex 3

The Management Zone



Annex 4

Ramorum outbreaks on larch in Scotland

(as at 4 August 2015)



Annex 5

Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan (2015) - Detailed actions

Key priority Actions Mechanism How Priority

(H, M, L) Risks to delivery

By when Lead Other considerations Progress

Research

Potential further modelling of epidemiology

Investigate potential to refine modelling of larch epidemiology

Contract (Cambridge University)

H o Staff capacity

31/03/16 FCS o To inform e.g. risk zones and plant supply.

Not started

Monitor resistance/ tolerance

Finalise monitoring plan in Management Zone

FR M o Staff capacity

30/09/15 FCS o Informal monitoring is underway.

On-going

Watching brief on Ramorum research

Networking M N/A On-going All STHAG members

On-going

Identify treatments Watching brief on research/commercial developments


o Treatments may be limited to individual trees or ’crown jewel’ sites.

Initial findings available

Identify alternative surveillance techniques

Watching brief on research/commercial developments


o Includes remote sensing and Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicle (RPAV) technology

FR project underway

Molecular detection in soils

Via DNA bar coding

FR project funded by FCS

H o Staff capacity

o Budget

31/03/16 FR o Complements SG CRF project (Risks of Phytophthoras to the Scottish environment and rural economy)

Underway

Determine biodiversity implications

Short paper In house or contract

M o Staff capacity

31/03/16 FCS o To cover protected species, mitigation and species choice

Not started

Assess impacts of Ramorum on larch in Scotland

Determine methodology for assessment of environmental, economic , landscape and social impacts

STHAG M o Staff capacity

31/12/15 FCS o Based (broadly) on Chalara model (Dr Rick Worrell) or more detailed JHI/FR approach

Not started

Undertake assessment of environmental, economic , landscape and social impacts

Contract M o Staff capacity

o Budget

30/06/16 FCS Not started




(H, M, L)

Risks to

delivery


Surveillance

&

monitoring

Monitor spread of

Ramorum on larch

Proactive aerial

surveys and ground-

truthing

In house

and

contract

H o Staff capacity

o Budget

On-going FCS o Spring and autumn flight programme.

o Continued aerial surveillance of Management Zone

On-going

Follow up all other

reports of potential

infection

In house

and

contract

H o Staff capacity

o Budget

On-going FCS o Potential use of Observatree volunteers via training

On-going

Maintain diagnostic

capacity

FR

laboratories

H o Staff capacity

o Budget

On-going FCS o Explore other opportunities for diagnostic capacity

Capacity

available

Continue to test

lineages of Ramorum

FR

laboratories

H o Staff capacity

o Budget

On-going FCS o Forest Research reports available

On-going

Maintain nursery and

garden inspections

for Ramorum

Programme of nursery

and garden

inspections by trained

staff

Scottish

Govt staff

H o Staff capacity

o Budget

On-going Scottish

Govt

(HMU)

o See P. ramorum Strategy for Scotland

On-going

Heathland (blaeberry)

surveillance and

water baiting

Provide detailed larch

outbreak data to

Phytophthora Scotland

Steering Group

Spatial data M o Staff capacity

o Budget

On-going FCS o To help target surveillance and containment actions on heathland and other non-woodland and wider environment habitats

Further

focusing

desirable




(H, M, L)

Risks to

delivery


Prophylactic measures

Encourage preparedness (woodland owners and nurseries)

Set out key considerations for woodland owners

FC web-based guidance

H o Staff capacity

o Budget

30/12/15 FCS/ Confor

o Based on FES experience of design planning and operational considerations

Initial verbal guidance only

Work with forest nursery sector on plant supply issues and nursery biosecurity

Sub group discussions

H o Staff capacity

Ongoing FCS/ Confor

o For discussion in STHAG Plant Production Working group

Explorative discussions held

Seed banking Ex situ collection of larch seed across its genetic range in Scotland

Through the UK National Tree Seed Project

M o UK NTSP capacity

o Budget

Autumn 2015 and 2016

FCS o Informal discussions with and by UKNTSP underway

o Storage via RBG Kew Millennium Seed Bank

Initial contact made

Grant support Maintain broad approach to grant support across the Risk Zones and review as required

SRDP H o Budget o Competitio

n for SRDP resources

On-going FCS o New SRDP in place Currently on track

Prophylactic removal of R. ponticum (in high risk areas)

With Phytophthora Scotland SG consider feasibility of targeting for funding support

SRDP and State Aid routes

M o Budget o Competitio

n for SRDP resources

31/03/16 Phytopht.Scotland SG

o To complement Scottish R. ponticum Strategy

On-going

Maintain biosecurity awareness

Constant reinforcement of messages

FC website, contracts, seminars

H o Staff capacity

o Sector(s) buy-in

On-going STHAG members

o Promulgate empirical evidence of benefits

On-going

Timber marketing Enable the market place to react to changes in production

Production forecasting

M o Staff capacity

o Data reliability

On-going STHAG WU& P WG

o Includes co-products

On-going

Increase number of authorised processors

Direct encouragement and advice

FC PHS M o Staff capacity

o Sector buy-in

On-going FCS/ UKFPA/ Confor

o 56 sites in Scotland currently authorised to handle larch timber from infected sites

On-going




(H, M,

L)

Risks to

delivery


Reactive

measures

Prevent new infections

via infected plants

Continue to require

destruction of infected

plants at nurseries

Statutory

action

H o Staff capacity

o Detection equipment

On-going SG HMU o The Scottish nursery trade has been largely free of Ramorum for the last few years.

In hand

Containment action Maintain current statutory

and non-statutory

approaches to dealing

with larch infections

Statutory

action and

guidance

H o Staff capacity

o Budget

On-going FCS o To be kept under review following outcome of surveillance programme

In hand

Maintain support

measures

SRDP H o Competition for SRDP resources

On-going FCS o New SRDP in place. In hand

Co-product utilisation

Investigate composting

treatments for dealing with

infected larch bark at

processing facilities in

Scotland.

Discussion

between

SG/FCS

and

STHAG

WU&P WG

M o Equipment and process reliability

o Sector buy-in

o Consumer reaction

31/03/16 FCS o Protocol now in place for England and Wales

Discussion

underway

Dealing with non-larch

outbreaks

Close liaison between SG

HMU and FCS, in

collaboration with SNH

Establish

common

principles

M o Staff capacity

31/12/15 Phytoph.

Scotland

SG

o Objective is to most efficiently deploy SG resources

Informal

agreement

in place




(H, M, L)

Risks to

delivery


Communications

Ensure written

information is

‘current’

FCS and FC

website updates Quarterly review H

o Staff capacity 30/06/15 FCS

o Messaging may need to vary according to country circumstances

Currently

not fully

up-to-date

Enhance

forestry,

arboricultural ,

horticultural and

landscape

sector’s

awareness of

Ramorum and

its management

Use of trade press Syndicated

articles

M

o Staff & sectoral capacity

On-going

FCS/Arb.

Assoc/

HTA/

L’scape

Institute

o Particular focus as and when situation changes significantly

On-going

Face-to-face

updates

Forest Health

Days and topic-

specific

seminars


Annual

series FCS/FR o 2-3 p.a.

Enhance public

awareness of

Ramorum and

its management

Use of popular and

gardening press

Syndicated

articles

M


On-going FCS o Complement GB

initiatives

On-going

TV/Radio Interviews


On-going FCS o Complement GB

initiatives

Shows

e.g. RHS,

Gardening

Scotland,

Chelsea FS

o Staff capacity

All

STHAG

members

o Complement GB initiatives

Assess impacts

of Ramorum on

larch in Scotland

Broad assessment

of environmental,

economic ,

landscape and

social impacts

Contract M o Staff

capacity 31/12/15 FCS

o Based (broadly) on Chalara model (Dr Rick Worrell)

Not started

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