UK Gardens Under Threat From Imported Fungal Diseases

Tue, 16 Dec 2008

The National Trust and sister organisation the National Trust for Scotland have warned their respective governments of the threat posed to the Britain’s gardens by the spread of two deadly fungal diseases .

The experts say the diseases could affect all public gardens in the UK within 20 years unless drastic action is quickly taken to stop the spread.

Environment ministers in London and Edinburgh have been sent a joint letter from the organisations asking for additional funding and support to help understand the diseases and keep them under control.

According to The National Trust, the diseases are caused by two species, Phytophthora ramorum and Phytophthora kernoviae – believed to have been imported on ornamental plants .

Phytophthora kernoviae was found for the first time this year on bilberry in Cornwall and Scotland. A number of National Trust gardens in England and Scotland have reported outbreaks of both diseases, with historic Rhododendron collections being devastated, particularly in Cornwall.

Other woody plants and shrubs such as viburnum, magnolia and camellia have also been devastated by the fungi.

NT lead adviser on Phytophthora Ian Wright said: "The fact that Phytophthora kernoviae has made the jump to heathland is deeply worrying."

"It has been estimated that within 20 years this plant disease could be in every garden in the UK and have a severe impact on our lowland and upland heath."

Jan Haenraets, head of gardens and designed landscapes at the National Trust for Scotland, added: "Without concrete action the spread of these diseases poses a real threat to our native plant and species in our gardens, woodlands and heathlands."

"This would have a serious knock-on effect for the environment and local economies."
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