Oregon Grower Assisted Inspection Program

The purpose of this award is for the grantee to mitigate the risk of spreading the non-native plant pathogen Phytophthora ramorum into forests and other naturalized areas through infected nursery stock.Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to forest health in the United States today. One that has garnered much attention is the fungus-like pathogen Phytophthora ramorum, the cause of sudden oak death and related diseases. This invasive pathogen attacks more than 100 plant species and kills mature oaks, tanoaks, and beech trees. P. ramorum has killed hundreds of thousands of trees in California where it is established in the natural environment. This has led to increased fire risk and to increased soil erosion from deforestation. Riparian areas near streams inhabited by endangered coastal salmon have also been adversely affected. This program will serve as a tool for nurseries to monitor for P. ramorum and other Phytophthora species in a cost-effective manner with minimal impact on their plants, soil, and water resources. Thus, the program will have these benefits:

1) It will minimize the risk of P. ramorum being introduced to new forest environments;

2) It will be a tool for growers to improve disease management on their property particularly within their soil and water resources; and

3) It will become a marketing tool nurseries can use to.

To our knowledge, this is the first attempt at developing a grower assisted inspection program for plants for planting. This program may also be adapted to other farming operations.