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Action Plan to Address Sudden Oak Death on the Berkeley Campus
BACKGROUND
The presence of the Phytophthora pathogen, dubbed Sudden Oak Death (SOD), has recently been confirmed on
the central campus by Dr. Matteo Garbelotto. As a potentially devastating disease affecting the venerable
and much beloved live oak community, SOD threatens one of the core values of the Berkeley campus landscape.
At this time, the disease has not been discovered on any Tanbark or California Live Oaks. The only plants
known to be infected are tree and shrub host species. Hosts support the pathogen on their leaves and can
spread SOD by sending spores to other hosts and ultimately to oaks. Because the infection is limited to
hosts it is presumed to be a recent arrival that has been discovered early in the process. Treatment will
be directed where there is a chance for containment to slow down the spread into Strawberry Canyon, the
community and Alameda County.
STRATEGY
Our initial efforts will be directed at containment by treating the infected host plants and applying focused
preventative measures to protect oaks from becoming infected. The ecological and human health risks of any
chemical treatments will be assessed by EH&S. The treatments will be focused and minimized.
SCHEDULE
Quick action is needed to address confirmed sites before the rainy season starts. Winter rains increase
microbiological action which can promote spreading the infection. Our approach will be measured carefully to
avoid over-reacting while assessing the extent of the infection and monitoring the effectiveness of the treatments.
TASK FORCE
A Campus SOD Task Force, meeting on an as-needed basis, has been assembled from members of the campus research,
faculty and staff community. The task force will review protocols for communication, testing, signage, treatment
and disposal. With the Chancellor's approval, the recommended members include:
- Robert Newell, Interim Associate Director for Grounds
- Jim Horner, Campus Landscape Architect, Capital Projects, Interim Chair
- Matteo Garbelotto, Forest Pathologist, U.C. Extension
- Vincent Resh, Professor, ESPM ö Insect Biology
- Ellen Simms, Director, Botanical Garden
- Phil Cody, Grounds Manager, PP-CS
- Richard Trout, Tree Crew Lead, PP-CS
- Bob Sanders, Public Affairs
- Karl Hans, Environment Health & Safety
ACTION PLAN
The following eight point action plan was adopted by the task force November 8, 2001 and is subject to revisions as
more is known about accepted protocols and the magnitude of the infestation on the Berkeley campus.
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Notification and Publicity - Contact arborists in our neighboring cities, East Bay Regional Parks, the California
Department of Food and Agriculture and the County Agricultural Commissioner. Send out a press release prepared by Public Affairs.
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Treat the Infected Host Plants - Once cleared by EH&S and CDFA, apply a foliar spray to reduce the production of spores to the
infected host trees that are otherwise healthy. Remove and dispose of any host plants that are small or suffering from other
mechanical or pathological problems. Remove and dispose of leaf litter from infected plants.
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Prevent the Spread of the Disease - Erect barriers for foot traffic around the infection centers and install informational
and keep out signs. Rake paths and lawns. Do not remove leaf litter from the zone of infestation.
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Protect the Live Oaks at Highest Risk - Apply a preventative spray to the bark of Live Oaks within the zone of infestation
from Stephens Hall to the Womens Faculty Club and South Drive to Morrison and Minor Halls. Attach warning signs and tape
off the trees during treatment until the fungicide dries. Protect Strawberry Creek from chemicals by using tarps and disposable
absorbent.
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Understand the Magnitude of the Problem - Campus gardeners, tree crew and Botanical Gardens horticulturists were trained on
October 31 to identify infected plants. The campus will be surveyed and samples gathered for two weeks. Steps 2 through 4 will
be repeated where tests prove positive.
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Save Infected Oaks - Consider the administering injections into the cambium of any infected oaks to help the trees fight off
the infection and sustain the trees.
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Coordinate Efforts with Our Neighbors - Meet with neighboring cities and land managers to share information and treatment options.
Conduct educational workshops to help the community understand the problem and treatment options.
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Prevent Oaks from Becoming Infected - Priority of preventative chemical treatments to the bark of uninfected oak trees are:
- where the disease is nearby
- where host species are nearby
- oaks growing in a stand
- isolated oaks
The campus will also cut back lawn and stop spray irrigation from under oaks.
RISKS
The risk to the campus oak population is not known. The China Camp infestation killed 30 to 50 percent of a continuous oak stand
in a wildland setting. The campus has an urban setting with many isolated specimen trees. Risk of SOD is greatest in continuous
stands, on trees with open canopies and in wet environments. The list of host species continues to grow. Not all hosts die from SOD.
Treatment of SOD will require the use of chemicals. Dr. Garbelotto will consult with the CDFA Dept. of Pesticide Regulation regarding
application of chemicals not available to the public. EH&S will help devise safeguards to minimize human and ecological health risks.
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