A Phytophthora tentaculata Pest Alert is now available. To date, P. tentaculata has been found infecting plants at three restoration sites – one in Monterey County and two in Alameda County. It has not been found in the soil nor detected on adjacent native vegetation. At the sites, the pathogen has been found on sticky monkey flower (Diplacus [=Mimulus]) and toyon (Heteromeles). Treatment, monitoring, and safeguarding at each location is ongoing to prevent spread.
Phytophthora tentaculata has also been found in five native plant nurseries to date in Butte, Monterey, Placer, and Santa Cruz Cos. on sticky monkey flower (Diplacus aurantiacus), toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia), coffeeberry (Frangula californica), and Salvia mellifera. All infected plants were destroyed. Nearly 500 samples have been analyzed from native plant nurseries (voluntarily) as well as from additional restoration sites to test for pathogen presence. In response to this situation, numerous native plant nurseries are now implementing best management practices, helping to insure that the best possible quality of plants are being grown. Surveys continue to determine if the pathogen occurs in undisturbed areas, particularly where the native plant nurseries have collected their propagative materials. These are the first detections of this Phytophthora in the US. For more information, contact Kathy Kosta, CDFA, at kathy.kosta@cdfa.ca.gov.