New disease control trial to take place on Cannock Chase

Trials that could turn the tide against a devastating plant disease are to take place in Staffordshire.

The county council's Environment and Countryside Team are leading the trial to fight Phytophthora pseudosyringae - a fungal infection that has led to the destruction of many thousands of plants in and around Cannock Chase.

The work is being part-funded by Natural England and carried out in partnerships with experts from Staffordshire University, Natural England and the Food and Environmental Research Agency (FERA).

The ambitious trial monitors the effects of various treatments on the disease. This includes cutting and burning infected material as it appears, or treating it with herbicide or fungicide.

A number of small plots have been established across the country park. Different treatments will be tested in each plot, although some plots that have not had any infection will also be included to see if there are other factors at play. Each plot is marked by a single wooden post.

County Councillor Mike Maryon, Cabinet Member responsible for Environment and Countryside said: "The county council has been battling Phytophthora on Cannock Chase for 18 months, which has given us extensive experience. We have put enormous resources into this battle and we are pleased to be delivering these important trials that could have national if not international implications."

There are a number of different species of Phytophthora that affect both native and ornamental plants and trees, including that which causes the familiar potato blight. Two species of Phytophthora - one originally dubbed Sudden Oak Death in America - recently introduced into this country on imported plants are now devastating heathlands and woodlands in the south of the country and are gradually spreading further north.

The disease has only recently been found to affect native plants like bilberry. Scientists researching these diseases have found that some plants affected by them can produce a significant amount of spores that can be carried to new areas and spread the infection. Laboratory tests have also shown that if these spores are permitted to build up in the soil, they can begin to affect other species including heather and trees like oak and birch.

Although control efforts on the Chase have not completely destroyed the Phytophthora, it is being held in check with the support of the visiting public. 

The new trial on Cannock Chase could play a leading part in the fight against the devastating impact of these diseases on our cherished landscapes.

Page Last Modified: 13/08/2010 14:53:18

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