Department of Agriculture to survey forests after tree fungi outbreaks

A SURVEY of Irish forests to locate outbreaks of the deadly tree fungi — Phytophthora ramorum — is being undertaken by the Department of Agriculture.

The search for Phytophthora ramorum, a fungus like organism that can damage and kill infected trees and plants, is required under EU rules and have taken place annually since 2003.

Until last year there had been no findings on tree species and P. ramorum had only been detected in forest areas on wild invasive rhododendron shrubs. Following the initial findings in Japanese larch in Ireland in July 2010, an extensive national aerial and ground survey was conducted. These forest surveys have now confirmed the disease in Japanese larch at 11 forest locations in five counties.