What is Sudden Oak Death Syndrome?
The Maryland Department of Agriculture has published a report on Sudden Oak Death, which was recognized in 1995 as a killer of Oaks and other plant species on the West Coast. The pathogen responsible for this disease is a fungus-like organism called phytopthora ramorum. Several species of Rhododendron, Camellias, and Viburnum shipped from the West Coast to a Maryland nursery were found to be infected and were therefore immediately destroyed. The MDA monitors Maxalea’s suppliers and has not found this disease to be present in any plant material we have received. We will update you further if this changes. For more information, visit: http://www.mda.state.md.
Sudden Oak Death Syndrome, or SODS, is a forest disease caused by Phytophthora ramorum, a fungus-like pathogen. It can be fatal to some plants, including coast live oak, black oak, Shreve oak and tanoak. P. ramorum affects different species in a variety of ways, and is spread through a wide number of host species, including the California bay laurel and Rhododendron varieties. The pathogen itself is spread by wind blown rain. What trees does Sudden Oak Death affect? Currently there are 26 species of trees and plants which are known to be susceptible to P. ramorum. This list is constantly evolving as scientists find out more information. For a current list of host species, click here. What are the symptoms? Symptoms of SODS vary from species to species. Infection may occur on the trunk, branches, and/or leaves. Cankers, infections on the woody portions of trees, are the most damaging. Diseased oaks are also often attacked by other pest organisms. Beware! Sudden Oak Death is easily confu
