Sudden Oak Death

The Sudden Oak Death pathogen Phytopthora ramorum is very aggressively infecting and killing  coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia)  black oak (Quercus kellogii) and tan oak (Lithocarpus densiflorus) trees along the central California coast.

In the California coastal areas,this pathogen is most active during the warmer springtime months. The pathogen requires a water film to reproduce. It is most commonly spread by adjacent bay laurel trees whose leaves carry microscopic spores called zoospores. During rain events, spores germinate and are splashed onto tree trunks. Other means of spread are mud from animals and recreational devices such as bicycles. Although there is not a cure for already infected trees, a treatment is available via trunk drench or injection into the tree trunk.

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