- Evolutionary ecology research
- Horticultural research
- Plant diversity research
- Plant pathology research
- Australian fungi
- Centre for Plant Conservation 2012-2013
- Fungal leaf spot on eucalypts
- Fusarium oxysporum
- Fusarium wilt
- Fusarium workshops
- Leaf spot fungi systematics
- Phytophthora Dieback
- Plant Pathology and Mycology 2012-2013
- Plant Pathology and Mycology 2011-2012
- Plant Pathology and Mycology 2010-2011
- Plant Pathology and Mycology 2009-2010
- Plant Pathology and Mycology 2008-2009
- Herbarium & resources
- Scientific publications
3. Phytophthora Disinfection Procedures
Phytophthora cinnamomi ('Pc') is one of many soil-borne diseases that affect native plant species. While it is also known as 'Dieback Disease', dieback may also have other causes (not all of them related to Phytophthora) in different areas, and for different plant species.
Pc damages native vegetation in many parts of southern Australia. Mud, carried footwear, clothing, vehicles, tyres, equipment and tools, provides the ideal medium to spread Phytophthora cinnamomi. The following precautions should be applied before and after working in bushland to minimise the spread of Pc and other soil pathogens into new areas.
Remove soil or mud from footwear, trowels, spades, secateurs and other manual equipment with a brush or stick. (This includes ground-sheets, gaiters, or any camping gear in contact with the ground). Always carry a spray bottle containing 70% methylated spirits or quaternary ammonium disinfectant to spray soles and sides of footwear.
Vehicles and bikes: Avoid driving or riding on unsealed roads or off-track in suspected areas of infection, particularly in wet conditions. Use properly designed wash-down facilities if available i.e. not draining to soil or to natural watercourses. Hose vehicle thoroughly including under-chassis, to remove all mud. If no special facilities are available, wash-down in area draining only to mains drainage.
When in the bush
Proprietary disinfectants that will assist in killing pathogen spores include FarmCleanse, Biogram, Phytoclean Coolacide or other non-corrosive products. These can be used to wash down vehicles, machinery and larger, durable outdoor equipment. Most are readily available from farm suppliers and produce stores. Alternatively 1% a.i. sodium hyperchlorite or pool chlorine can be used but this can damage clothing and equipment.
There are National Best Practice Guidelines available on the Commonwealth Government environment website (see detailed outline of documents in the References & Links section), provides both background information, models and tools for assessment, planning and management along with practical advice on such things as developing a range of things like signage and hygiene solutions.
Plant Pathology Section, The Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney