Western Australian Native Plants Susceptible and
Resistant to Phytophthora cinnamomi
Compiled by E.
Groves, G. Hardy & J. McComb, Murdoch
University
Phytophthora
cinnamomi is a soil borne fungal pathogen causing the disease known
as ‘dieback disease' or ‘jarrah dieback' . Early settlers introduced the
fungus into Australia and it has long been recognized as a serious threat
to the flora of Western Australia. It has a wide host range and the name
‘jarrah dieback' is misleading as it can kill many species in the forest,
woodland and sandplain communities in the south-west of Western Australia.
Up to 22% of the plant species of the southwest may be susceptible. There
are however a number of species that are resistant as they are observed
to survive in the field in the presence of the fungus.
The following lists bring together research of Western Australian
native species susceptible or resistant to P.
cinnamomi. They have been compiled from field observations of resistance
or susceptibility and results of controlled experiments. However the classification
of a plant as resistant or susceptible to P. cinnamomi is often dependent
on other environmental factors which can influence their susceptibility
to the pathogen. The resistant list therefore provides guide as to which
plants would have a greater chance of survival in dieback affected sites.
Both lists also include information on the availability of species in
commercial plant nurseries.
This
project was possible thanks to the following sponsors:
Dr M McCall, Murdoch University, Horticulture Australia,
Domus Nursery, NGIWA, Lullfitz Nursery, Zanthorrea Nursery
Picture provided by Jackie Hooper,
Zanthorrea Nursery
