Fungus-like pathogen

Fungus-like pathogen

Phytophthora kernoviae

Common name:

Fungus-like pathogen

Scientific name:

Phytophthora kernoviae

Alternative common names:


Description:

Fungus-like pathogen is a serious plant pathogen that affects the aerial parts of the trees and shrubs that it infects. It was discovered on rhododendron plants and a beech tree (Fagus sylvatica) in the Redruth/Truro area of Cornwall, South West England.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

South-west of England

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

NEMBA Category 1b

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern and Western Cape, and Mpumalanga Province.

How does it spread?

Transported from leaf to leaf and plant to plant via rain-splash, wind-driven rain, mist, irrigation or possibly in ground water. Long distance spread occurs by movement of infected plant material, also, possibly in growing media, and in soil carried on vehicles, machinery, footwear or on animals.

Why is it a problem?

The infection depends on the host plant species. Even within a species susceptibility can vary markedly between individuals. For susceptible Rhododendron species severe infection can lead to the death of the shrub, while in other shrub species such as Magnolia and Pieris the principal effects appear limited to leaf symptoms, though these may be severe.

What does it look like?

Leaves: None
Flowers: None
Fruit/seeds: None

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