Phosphites: Improving Tree Health & Defenses Against Ramorum Blight

<br /><br /> There are limited tree health management options currently available for active interventions with ramorum blight (Phytophthora ramorum) in oaks (SOD&nbsp;- Sudden Oak Death). Pesticides are available which have been successfully used against other species of Phytophthora spp. in trees. In addition, there are several other interventions which have received much publicity and generated regulatory discussions, including applications of chemicals currently not labeled as pesticides.&nbsp; Some of these materials have been found to effectively disrupt or slow ramorum blight symptom development in trees.<br /><br /> A number of treatments listed in the literature for slowing, controlling, or preventing Phytophthora symptom development are not pesticides. Some materials are foliar, trunk injectable, or surface applied fertilizers and fertilizer-like products. These treatments are not labeled for use as a pesticide. As such, their use as a therapeutic treatment in trees through directly interfering with and killing Phytophthora spp. is illegal. These products can assist the tree system to defend against symptom development and increase physiological effectiveness.<br /><br /> (WSFR FOR05-1)<br /><br />

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