Phytophthora dieback (Phytophthora cinnamomi) is a devastating plant pathogen which kills susceptible plants by attacking their root systems and stopping the uptake of water and nutrients. Symptoms are wilting, yellowing and retention of dried foliage and darkening of root colour. It is spread through the movement of soil, mud, water and root-to-root contact between plants and is often transported by human activities. There is no cure.
Over 40% of Western Australian native flora and half of the endangered species in the South West are susceptible, including Banksias, Jarrah and Grass Trees. Many agricultural crops and garden plants can also be infected. Dieback is often hard to detect as plants appear to be dying from drought.
Dieback has been found across the South West in many national parks, nature reserves and metropolitan bushlands and has the potential to devastate bushland and change landscapes. There are also flow-on effects to animals such as habitat change and the reduced food availability.
Two methods used for active Dieback control within City reserves includes spraying phosphite over understorey plants and injecting phosphite into dieback susceptible trees.
Friends Groups and private landholders can loan equipment from the City to treat Dieback. The City can also provide information and demonstration of treatment methods as requested.
The Dieback Working Group and the City of Kalamunda (formerly the Shire) have produced a video that outlines the steps involved in undertaking phospite stem injection to trees at risk from dieback. Featuring Glenn Tuffnell from Dieback Treatment Services, this video is an excellent resource for bushcare volunteers and students to learn how to undertake Phosphite Stem-injection.
Preventing the spread of dieback is key to managing the impacts of the disease on bushland. Dieback is usually spread through human activity, which moves infected soil via vehicles, equipment and footwear. Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (Parks and Wildlife) have the following recommendations to prevent the spread of dieback include:
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