Development of molecular diagnostic tools for the detection of Phytophthora cinnamomi from cryptic soil samples in southern Australia

Williams, N., O'Gara, E., Hardy, G.E.St.J. and O'Brien, P.A. (2009) Development of molecular diagnostic tools for the detection of Phytophthora cinnamomi from cryptic soil samples in southern Australia. In: Phytophthoras in Forests and Natural Ecosystems Fourth Meeting of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) Working Party S07.02.09, August 26–31, 2007, Monterey, California.

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Abstract

Phytophthora cinnamomi is responsible for the widespread destruction of native forest and heathlands across southern Australia. In these ecosystems, P. cinnamomi is responsible for the death of a broad range of susceptible species including members of the Proteaceae, Epacridaceae, Papilionaceae and Myrtaceae, and results in significant changes in species composition, community structure and ecosystem function. Management of the pathogen in native ecosystems is centred on pathogen containment and relies on the identification of dieback boundaries and detection of the pathogen directly from soil. Once an infestation is defined, preventative measures may be taken to ensure infested soil and plant material are not spread during land management activities. Ongoing monitoring of the pathogen then forms an integral component of sustainable ecosystem management.