1. Phytophthora Dieback The biological bulldozer Adapted from presentations by Dr Chris Dunne, Science Division, DEC

2. Drought/climate change Salinity, water table change Phytophthora dieback Mining activities Land clearing Invasive weeds Consequences of construction developments i.e. road works, recreation Small/declining populations Demographic /genetic effects Grazing by feral/ introduced animals Threats to rare flora of the south-west of WA

3. What is Phytophthora dieback? Caused by a water mould called Phytophthora cinnamomi Phytophthora is Greek for ‘plant destroyer’ organism was first identified on the roots of a cinnamon tree P. cinnamomi feeds off plant roots Causes root rot which stops plant taking up nutrients and water

4. A brief history Early European settlers arrive 1829 1920 First recorded unexplained tree deaths (Karragullen) 19481964 1973 1989 1996 Pc identified as causal agent Introduction of European plant species Infested gravel used for roadmaking Quarantine Use of phosphite Research station est. Dwellingup

5. Lifecycle of P. cinnamomi

6. Ideal environment >800mm 20 o C-30 o C pH 5-6 Therefore: Forested areas with higher rainfall Grows and spreads best in autumn and spring

7. Where is dieback found? bushland nurseries horticultural plantations gardens

8. Impact on native flora Of 5710 recorded species of plant: 2300 (40%) susceptible to Phytophthora dieback 800 (14%) highly susceptible to Phytophthora dieback

9. Jarrah forest – Dwellingup

10. Banksia woodland

11. Stirling Range National Park

12. South Coast

13. Impact Impact on animals? Loss of: food habitat shelter

14. Distribution of Phytophthora cinnamomi

15. P. cinnamomi in Western Australia

17. Perth Scarp

18. How is it spread? 4WD Trail/mountain bikes Hiking boots Animals Road making Irrigation Infected plant material

19. Management of Phytophthora dieback Interpretation and mapping Is Phytophthora dieback known or likely to be in an area, or at your site? Do you need more information? Identify priority areas, species or communities for protection Declared rare flora Endangered fauna Is the area protectable Prevent accidental introduction Minimise spread Reduce impact

20. Dieback Interpretation & Mapping Dead “indicator plants” Structural change Chronology of deaths Soil/tissue sampling

21. Indicator species Banksia grandis (Bull Banksia) Patersonia spp. (Flag Flower) Xanthorrhoea preissii (Balga)

22. Field Detection Depauperate sedgeland Rich proteaceous shrubland Disease Front Direction of travel

23. Identify protectable areas Focus resources on areas of highest biodiversity value Declared rare fauna Endangered fauna Threatened ecological communities Focus resources on areas which can be protected Uphill from known infections Large enough to protect (>2ha) Able to be effectively quarantined (limited public access, sources of infection can be mitigated or removed) Focus resources on areas where the benefits of hygiene will last more than a few decades

24. Prevent accidental introduction Readily introduced in infested material (e.g. soil on footwear or vehicles, infected plant material, gravel for road construction, nursery stock) Impossible to eradicate Prevent introduction by Use of certified dieback free materials Remove and control access Hygiene – footbaths and vehicle washdown

25. Remove and control access X X X X CLEAN ON ENTRY POINT

26. Remove access Control access

27. Hygiene Vehicles Footwear & equipment

28. Minimise spread Reduce water flow Barriers to infection

29. Reduce impact - conservation Translocation Seedbank Revegetation

30. Phosphite Highly effective – gives short term resistance to some plants Low toxicity Environmentally friendly Can be sprayed or injected

31. What can you do?