The Role of Phytophthora Cinnamomi in Australian and New Zealand Forests

摘要: In 1922, while R. D. Rands reflected on the "rather narrowly limited" host relationships of cinnamon Phytophthora he had just discovered in mountains tropical Western Sumatra (124), his fungus was already established some 3,000 miles to south-east a wide range native plants temperate Australia. Had been able then visit forests near Perth, could have seen its infancy an epidemic disease that causes wreckage more than 100 species flora and converts tall virtual barrens. Yet almost half century passed be­ fore cinnamomi recognized as cause this dis­ ease known jarrah dieback (Figure 1) . Today would find fun­ gus unquestionably most destructive plant pathogen ever recorded na­ tive vegetation possibly any region. It is unmatched variety communities it affects. marked contrast with chestnut blight, dutch elm disease, white pine blister rust pathogens, each only one or two genera, P. kills 48 families. Already has devastated complex forest, woodland, heath 100,000 hectares Australia (W.A.) Victoria (Vic.) grave fears for future much indige­ nous southern By contrast, New Zealand (N.Z.) eastern role i n less clearly understood. Although also serious loss nursery crops, coni­ fer shelterbelts, avocado pineapple plantations importance indigenous dictates emphasis review should be forestry conservation. Because recently research findings are yet largely unpublished we drawn extensively personal communication from generous colleagues who share our interest present distribution cinnamomi, varia­ bility, number diseases uncertain cause, factors determine effects region, exotic origin, potential further damage, prospects control.