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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)
2 | Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan For Scotland (2015) | Forestry Commission Scotland
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)
Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan for Scotland (2015)
3 | Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan For Scotland (2015) | Forestry Commission Scotland
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
Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan for Scotland (2015)
4 | Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan For Scotland (2015) | Forestry Commission Scotland
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
Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan for Scotland (2015)
5 | Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan For Scotland (2015) | Forestry Commission Scotland
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
Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan for Scotland (2015)
6 | Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan For Scotland (2015) | Forestry Commission Scotland
Annex 1
Climatic risk for Phytophthora ramorum
Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan for Scotland (2015)
7 | Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan For Scotland (2015) | Forestry Commission Scotland
Annex 2
Ramorum on larch – Risk Zones
(Zone 1 - Highest risk Zone 2 - Intermediate risk Zone 3 - Lowest risk)
Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan for Scotland (2015)
8 | Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan For Scotland (2015) | Forestry Commission Scotland
Annex 3
The Management Zone
Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan for Scotland (2015)
9 | Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan For Scotland (2015) | Forestry Commission Scotland
Annex 4
Ramorum outbreaks on larch in Scotland
(as at 4 August 2015)
Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan for Scotland (2015)
10 | Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan For Scotland (2015) | Forestry Commission Scotland
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
Networking M N/A On-going All STHAG members
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
Networking M N/A On-going All STHAG members
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
Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan for Scotland (2015)
11 | Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan For Scotland (2015) | Forestry Commission Scotland
Key priority Actions Mechanism How Priority
(H, M, L)
Risks to
delivery
By when Lead Other considerations Progress
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
Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan for Scotland (2015)
12 | Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan For Scotland (2015) | Forestry Commission Scotland
Key priority Actions Mechanism How Priority
(H, M, L)
Risks to
delivery
By when Lead Other considerations Progress
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
Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan for Scotland (2015)
13 | Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan For Scotland (2015) | Forestry Commission Scotland
Key priority Actions Mechanism How Priority
(H, M,
L)
Risks to
delivery
By when Lead Other considerations Progress
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
Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan for Scotland (2015)
14 | Ramorum (on larch) Action Plan For Scotland (2015) | Forestry Commission Scotland
Key priority Actions Mechanism How Priority
(H, M, L)
Risks to
delivery
By when Lead Other considerations Progress
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
o Staff & sectoral capacity
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
o Staff & sectoral capacity
On-going FCS o Complement GB
initiatives
On-going
TV/Radio Interviews
o Staff & sectoral capacity
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